Whew!

‘Tis the week after Christmas,

and all through the house…
The decorations and tinsel and lights

all have been doused.

The stockings that had hung

from the mantel with care,
Once plumped with anticipation,

are now deflated and spare.

They’re all boxed and labeled and put away for the year,
Along the with new stuff: 50%-off really spreads lots of cheer!
And the old year is waning, the new year on deck—
That’s how we keep track on this rock (we’re just a speck).

The idea of Christmas all year has some merit—
Not for the gifts and the giving and getting—I couldn't bear it.
But I’d vote for an annual season of Thanksgiving
To put in proper perspective the spirit’s true meaning.