Celebration

                                                                  © Mandy Howlett 2016

Bare branches covered in ice,

claw at the window pane,

obscuring artwork

painstakingly created by Jack Frost.

Inside, dancing flames crackle invitingly.

Children, sitting on the hearth, sing carols,

haloed by the glowing warmth of softness, pure white,

as a sleek, feline, wraps around the ankles,

purring contentedly, arching into its siblings.

The golden form of a lazy canine, yawns

rolling over for a belly rub, eyes half-closed.

Bliss emanating from chocolate depths,

tongues lolling comically, legs twitching.

Roasting, on outside embers, chestnuts pop and turn,

Pretty paper lays strewn,

scattered under scented branches of pine.

Bright rainbow sparkles caught, reflected

on baubles, glittered in purple, pink and gold.

A  banner, hung gaily over the mantle,

whispering…

Merry Christmas to one and to all,

Peace and Goodwill to those near and dear.