The tree
naked now

its leaves
lost long long ago

but newly dressed
in sweets and fruits

oranges and candy apples
cluster from branch to branch

peppermint canes and liquorice sticks
sugar mice both pink and white

delicately hang
from invisible thread

you tottering towards
this magical tree

disbelieving what
you see.

"It's like living in
a fairy story!"

"Strange it is
the only time it's ever done that!"

I say gobsmacked

"It only does that once
in a hundred years!"

I inform her.

"Really?"
"Really!"

Back in bed
her crop of sweets

safely harvested.

Her big big Panda
guarding the horde.

I shush her to sleep
with HUSHABY MOUNTAIN.

Remove a jelly baby
from a sticky curl.

I kiss her
sweet smile.

Her unwilling eyes
close.

Dolly's eyes
still wide with astonishment.

Panda  still on guard
eyeing me warily.

Her dreams flickering
behind eyelids.