Poignant December

The snow melts in December sun

Leaving slush and grime to run

In tiny waves down hilly street;

Cascading leaves lie at my feet.

 

Needs must - so I affront the day

Which starts in chilly shades of grey

See how displays, well-lit, attract

With hosts of gifts so neatly wrapped!

 

To send cards now I hesitate;

With email we’re kept up to date

What joy to voice our Christmas cheer

Skype means free calls with near and dear!

 

“New Normal” means life lived-through-screens

Too bad for those with slender means;

Without a laptop, we are lost

The life we once knew turned to frost.

 

We yearn for how things used to be:

Meanwhile, we decorate our tree,

Admire the city’s Christmas lights

And drink glühwein on winter nights!

(c) Poet in the woods (2021)