Christmas Eve

The chatter of children in the evening
graces the street as sunlight fails
as the madness and torrid frenzy
of the past few days have peaked
and near their point of release

last chances now the shutters drawn
the metallic ringing in our ears ceased
some watch the chaos in self-righteousness
they finished weeks ago you see!
others rue missed opportunities

red, white, pink, blue and purple
the lights on the trees come to life
in twilight appearing steadily, slowly
in evening becoming more bold
no choice but to relax and breathe out