Christmas Eve

So, Brother Fox, where are you tonight?

While we indoors suffuse a Christmas glow

Outside dark rain has washed away the snow

And shrivelled up the dulling winter light.

It cleared away your markers place with care

Each evening when you pass this way to take

Our offerings cast out in the wake

Of more extravagance than you could bare.

            And as I turn down just one more mince pie

            Idling with a glass of Cote de Rhone

            I wonder if you've found the Turkey bone

            I put out earlier hoping I might spy

            Your fleeting visit like a welcome ghost

            Bringing a Solstice blessing to the host,

Brian Hick December 2009

©copyright S Hick December 2021