Ode to Charlie Brown's Christmas

Our picture frame window Is garlanded with evergreen limbs Twined in white twinkling lights pinecones and fairy bells And outside From the dinner time dark that is a week before Christmas Santa waves Lit up like a little lantern The hope for snow Anymore Any year Has become as nostalgic as Perry Como Singing from the static of AM radio Golden retriever Snuggles to my left An arm rest Our three-legged black cat Asleep between my outstretched legs Compensates Dreams of a human leg attached to her empty hind joint Cozies closer Meows as if she’s running and leaping Proper My wife On the other couch Dressed in a red Christmas sweater Her face clear and elegant as a glass ornament Carefully preserved to our tree’s highest branch Perhaps swaying alone in the living room To the furnace vent Our orange and white cat A travel pillow Wrapped To the back of her neck I can hear her purring from way over here “What a shame Charlie Brown has been stolen From us all By Apple TV.” I say “At least we have the memory.” My wife suggests “Remember his destitute tiny tree Decorated by Snoopy Lucy Linus and all their friends? “And then together They serenaded the snow falling With Hark the Herald Angels Sing?” “Yes I remember so well It’s ancient message First released “From the year of my birth.”