FINALLY!

Finally! Christmas came last night,
riding the wave of raucous carols poorly sung
blaring from speakers at the outdoor ice rink.
Stumbling through the laughter
of experienced skaters
watching 1-year olds
lose their new-found footing
on ground that now betrays them.

Christmas wafted in on the scent
of hot chocolate in Styrofoam cups
cradled up close to frozen faces,
slurping, greedily seeking
the blessing of a marshmallow host.
Clouds of steam rising
like incense and prayers
from sweaty, hatless heads.

Christmas came inside a while,
just to take a load off,
to catch its breath
and then head back outside
to take another spin,
making children grin
and helping grown-ups
slow down enough to
feel their souls leap a little.