twin boys gasp into a smile
blue eyes wide and dancing
catching the tree lights atop
their cheeks
the way they have since
wearing sleepers with feet
ribbons and wrapping paper of red, silver, and green
floating through pine aromas
to the inevitable floor
turning to look up at me
gratefully
remembering innocence
our old ghosts wearing tattered coats
and holly wreaths
staring in frosted windows
i realize the dog is snoring
as snow flakes begin falling
beyond the glass door
turkey
almost ready in the oven