Green leaves from holly trees
prick our fingertips as we prune
cold crooked branches
and fashion Yuletide wreaths
to mount on frosty front doors
and post above chimney mantelpieces
strewn with blinking lights.
Red holly berries
with their tiny black eyes
stare at us unblinking
watchfully waiting like Santa’s elves
for Christmas to arrive.
Sweeder writes from Ocean City.