Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons and bows, tied to the flames, dance in winter like reindeer games. Scarlet reds and emerald greens paint false pravado of Christmas scenes. Silver and gold lay out like riches and children tell tales like little snitches. The good list becomes short and thin-nish while the naughty list is never finished. Jolly men sobered in flamboyant big red suits ring the bells to hearts more closed and mute. In the shadows the cash registers ring loud rising screams and shouts above the gathering crowds. On the floor, I knelt a moment, picking up the pieces of ribbons and bows as joy began decreasing. The season's wonder slips away without thinking breathe, celebrate or a grinch heart will be shrinking.