with its fragrance and texture
true to nature, small gifts of pollen and wax
though others go gluttonous
with chicken wings and pizza,
downing Virgin Margaritas
blended in the Cuisinart
while they dance down victory steps
to waltz among Southern Belles
in pink and yellow crinoline,
forgetting each promise with a smile.
Oh, honeycomb and frankincense,
the simple gifts of Christmas.
May they outlast the bombast
and rooster fights that will soon commence!
Carolyn Gregory has published poems and music reviews in American Poetry Review, Cutthroat, Main Street Rag, Wilderness House Literary Review, Ygdrasil, Seattle Review. Her first and second books were published by Windmill Editions in Florida.