Cat versus Christmas Tree

Hard to tell them apart: both ancient, pagan, sharp.
Both dreaming of a forest, the tranquility of Eden,
branches mirroring roots in fearful symmetry,
craving chaos. These boughs once held candles,
dangerous sparks that now gleam, not in tinsel,
but in the green of the adversary’s eyes. No,
he won’t be thwarted by low branches
left strategically bare of shiny bulbs and loops.
He’ll climb, for knowledge of good and evil
was always high-hanging fruit. No doubt,
there will be wreckage, havoc, a shifting pole,
the whole bright world come crashing down,
baubles and gifts crushed and scattered, and fallen.
But Tabby will have satisfaction,
     and Saturn the requisite sacrifice
     to herald the return of the Sun.

​

Julie Roorda
Christmas 2023