Mistletoe hangs in the naked mesquite tree,
years ago someone cut up soda cans into squares,
and hung in this tree with bits of wire,
long since grown into the limbs.

In the darkness of night especially in fall and winter,
this tree immediately takes you to Christmas,
as headlights reflect and shimmer off the aluminum,
in shades of silver, maroon, and green.

As the winter night breeze blows,
we pass by the tree and are compelled to stop,
my wife and I get out and approach and enjoy,
snowflakes begin to fall into the scene.

Perfection prior to Christmas,
as she notices the green mistletoe,
and presses her lips to mine,
cold snowflakes melt on our faces heightening senses.

With the reflection of shimmering colors in her eyes,
we hold hands and walk to the car,
the heater running, we listen to Christmas carols,
as we travel home toward family and the holiday.