The crisp Winter air

welcomes me

like a burrowing hole does a rabbit

And there is safety there

Children playing

unmindful of the outside force

Cheering on each exhale

Loosening the noose around their necks

before they see stars and spotted flecks

Greater prospects are their mittens

Soft and warm like  newborn kittens

They are used to protect their grips

Just in case the ground bumps their hips

Slipping and sliding on thin ice

Invisible music oh so nice

Even a sudden slip

is no match for the childish lip

And I tip-toe to my car

which isn’t very far

In hopes that the road

is as kind to me

with such a heavy load

and place I need to be

For I have gifts to get before

I can give

Inconsiderate of the hole

in which I live

To make merrier a day

for children to play

when they awaken

on Christmas Day

So, what I hold with my gloves

know the pain endured for my loves

But I would have it no other way

to present joy on a silver tray

When they awaken

On Christmas Day

Though should I ever play too old

I hope my debt was paid in gold