glow, glow.

these are the days of holly jolly stoops, wreaths and red ribbons, jingling salvation army bells, every sidewalk a twinkling forest of balsam and fir, a buzz of christmas in the air. this afternoon, i did a spot of shopping for christopher, sipping peppermint hot chocolate, walking home slowly, breathing it in.

come spring, the snow will melt to reveal trees, discarded months before, sleeping on the curb below. the wind will blow, i'll swear i smell pine, and my heart will ache a little for this very moment -- for the glow of december in new york.