The holidays are to give us hope,
  to fulfill our aspirations-
  so, I usually wait 'til December 1,
  to hang my Christmas decorations

I placed one bag beside the tree-
resting on the floor-
another, on the landing-
outside of my front door

I wound the tree with tinsel-
hanged some brightly covered orbs-
hummed some Christmas carols
for t'was a mood to be absorbed

I then heard some footsteps
quickly coming up the walk
two voices speaking lowly,
then coming to a halt

I continued with my business-
there was nothing for me to say,
and the voices and the footsteps
quickly left, and sped away

I knew what had happened,
when I opened the door-
for that other bag was missing
Gone!; and was no more!

Two remaining items,
to place upon the tree
a Pear tree and a Partridge-
for all my friends to see

My spirit they enlivened-
that Pear tree and its Partridge-
For those two unknown voices


Stole my bag of kitchen garbage!!

(saved me a trip to the dumpster!)

copyright: richard riddle 11-30-2015