Sparkle on the landing, glitter

and shine shards of light, we need

you, crusted there in dot, line,

and crevice. No fussy janitor

bemoaning minute diamond

specks, I rejoice instead at the toy’s

bright offering, paradox on the stairs.

 

I leave its bright message twinkling

amidst the dust, evidence of a fulsome

holiday. Pause mid-task to ponder

the carpet’s gift and recollect that

schoolroom truth: Glitter always stays.

Marvelous gleam in goldsilvergreen

I tidy the scene, carry the gifts

of a child and journey on like Magi

before me, bearing news of the King.

*****

From my ebook “Emmanuel Poems: Verses for the Holidays” from Advent to Epiphany