A Christmas Child

A face presses up to a store window display
of an angel in ermine
with arms bangled and boots thigh high.
Mannikin thighs harder than the fake tree
in the corner festooned with popcorn ...
stale now in the airless window.

The eyes of the child glow looking in
as mannikin eyes look out at the
turtle-necked tourists stopping to smile
at the child watching a toy train wind
past the feet of the angel in ermine
and her glistening red boots.
The train is filled with jeweled brooches,
earrings, and a necklace of diamonds.

Growing tired now,  the child walks
to a cardboard box at the corner of this store
where her mother sits on an old pillow
holding a flute to be played as its
red carrying case fills with coins.
Coins that will never buy diamonds.

Hauntingly beautiful Christmas carols her mother plays
while the child sits on the sidewalk
watching feet pass and coins drop.
Soon, they will walk across the street to a cafe
where she will drink hot chocolate
before they return to this box
to sleep in the silent night.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Skyles-Theoklapoet Avatar
December 13, 2009 at 2:47 PM
This was wonderful.Really enjoyed but kinda sad.Thanks so much for your very kind comment.Teresa
Mccall Avatar
December 9, 2009 at 1:00 PM
This is to sad but yet so true. as many are homless this time of year Blessings thanks for your coment
Sweetheart Avatar
December 8, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Magnificent, Sue, such a depiction in your words and verses.. very visual too... enjoyed this very much... blessings... luv.. Linda-Marie, P.E.P.S. "Sweetheart"
Strand Avatar
December 6, 2009 at 11:33 PM
One of your best Sue.Rgds Brian Thanks for your welcome comments today.
 Avatar
December 6, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Wow! This is a thought provoking about a sad reality that is far to often true. The emotion comes through this experience in a gripping way. One of your best Sue. Thank you for sharing it and for your kind comment. Blessings to you this Christmas season and in the New Year too. Karen
Devonshire Avatar
December 6, 2009 at 2:34 PM
The first time I saw people living atop cardboard boxes on the streets of New York, I couldn't believe what I was looking at. That was years ago and today there are more homeless families than ever. I almost dread seeing them when I visit NY over Christmas. It will be cold. They will have no food. Your poem tugs hard at my heartstrings, Sue, for this may have been written as fiction, but it is really all too true. God bless you, Carolyn
George   Avatar
December 3, 2009 at 1:35 AM
HEART-BREAKINg! Especially because it exists in the real world.. You brought tears to my eyes with this powerful writing. Sue. Love, Lainie
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