Mixed Messages

by Christine Holden
(UK)

Back to school banners
Cut price cards in August
Halloween hints at mischief
Reindeers ready for the race
Intent on one last carrot
Soon to be dangled.
Tinselled trees with lights or without
May not drop needles
A sore point
Stocking or a sack?
Guided by a star
Multi coloured or clear
Flashing or static in the East.
Adorn trees, windows, walls
Shadows spring to life at the flick of a switch.
Sofas, summer holidays, plasma screens
Singing from the same hymn book
Away in a manger
Going to midnight mass at 6pm
Each candle holds a memory
Lest we should forget.