“Red Christmas Kettle”

I turn my collar up against the town,
thrust icy fingers deeper in pockets,
and shrug my jacket tighter ‘round my frame.

I hunch my shoulders then resign myself
to plunge into the changing winter’s fog
and stride dirty streets with eyes averted.

I turn my troubled thoughts against the town,
‘til I see Salvation Army Santas
ringing their bells and shivering through smiles.