so close beyond a hint
so close you can taste
cinnamon and peppermint
flowing all around you

there’s no time remaining
for second thoughts or sad
regrets unfulfilled again
you madly swirl through aisles

trying to purchase perfection
trapped in plastic shrinkwrap
now on clearance – so buy now
and hope the wrapping paper

will hide the imperfections
of another year fading away.