" Noooo! Christmas is dying! "

. . . uttered by 20 year old son

as the halls here get well and truly un-decked.

The mantle above the old brick fireplace

has swapped a garland of Christmas roses

for its garland of seashells.

Ancient beams, once adorned with

boughs of fir and twinkle lights

now stand stark and bare.

The nativity crib on the dresser

is packed away once more,

and other treasures find their way back.

The solitary sitting man 

has replaced a vase of evergreen

in the arch window.

It all has a comforting rhythm

which displaces any sadness.

Those lazy, hazy post Christmas days

of muddled, befuddled festive fug

already belong to last year.

Normal service is resumed

and Mother Christmas once more

becomes Mrs Potter!!

 Happy New Year everyone !

x Cathy

(p.s.  pottery and ceramics update next time!)