this place is shouting louder than ever
commands in a language that is not my own
celebrate this right now right here (or else)
who would not want to join in the festivities
hymns carol in stores and restaurants
a red-suited jolly old figure greets all at town hall
ornamented trees stand in public spaces, even on a theater roof
a themed parade shuts down Main Street and scares my dog
attendance is optional this year; what about next
red green and white everywhere alongside red white and blue flags
now mandatory for homes vehicles businesses
the air thinner than ever for those who are otherwise
it’s getting harder to breathe
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