My Xmas Tree Ode
As I trundled down the road lost in my own thoughts there you stood, tall and proud.
I have been here before once or twice a day for weeks gone past, why have I never seen you before.
You were naked, only the sparse alpine pine needles covering your mass. There was no glitter, no star, no tinsel or sparkling balls to jump at me, but you did.
I was captivated by your beauty, you were homeless and you were begging to find a home to create new memories for this Xmas and be decorated with all the glamour.
I thought it would not be possible, I am the Xmas grinch I did not need a tree, I have no time for such foolish things.
As the day passed and the wind blew through your needles, I knew what I had to do as tomorrow was the eve of Xmas. I set my alarm early so I could be the first one in the door. I fell asleep dreaming of your presence lighting up my room.
I arose early on the eve of Xmas, racing down the road to see if you were still there. I was 10 min early when I saw there was two of you, but the other looked nothing like you, the other had a sign in its needles saying not for sale, display only. I felt like a fool, of course, you are a display, I nearly turned and run for being a fool and dreaming of what could not been.
As the doors opened I was by your side, your trunk was a golden tan, your branches were strong like none I had seen. You were heavy, you were from before my time and before the time of plastic and China imports. You were graceful and strong. I could tell you were part of many happy and sad memories. My eyes opened wide as I saw the sign, box in the other room. My heart raced as this was a sign, as I looked further there I saw deep in your needles, the small tag saying you were for me.
I needed to dress you up and make you the proud tree you once were. I searched the store high and low for things to make you beam. I was about to give up when I saw under a table a basket with the most beautiful and perfect star. It was a sign as it was a star from before my time.
How you stand tall and proud, dressed to impress the glamour and sparkle to outdo any runway model, surrounded in lights that can be seen from above, the perfect star at your tip-off your presence.
You have lived for another Xmas to continue making memories for loved ones and families to come.
JD KESSLAR
Dec 2021
