After the swatches of reds, oranges, and browns blend into the ground
After the trees have stripped to nothing but naked bark and branches
The windy air welcomes a new, blank canvas
A tray with peppermint red and pine tree green
Gentle strokes capture the crisp frost on roof tops
And the steam from chimneys and mugs of mocha and caramel
A single breath is accompanied by a opaque white cloud
And the exposed trees are given a white sweater
-mh