Over now
First day returned
to real time
New year, same worries
Take down the garland
Take down the wreaths
All plastic, sterile
even their scent is fake
Artificial, from a spray bottle
like their outrage
and the faux joy celebrated
Now return to musty boxes
for attic, garage or basement
Exchanged for the real
more pressing concerns
Shelved for weeks
Come out now
it is safe
Join the scraps of shiny paper
tape residue
and glitter that shines
in carpet until March