and suddenly...

Where there was a crowded space, there is a school desk. Where there were joyous lights, there is a lamp. Where there were gifts, there is an old laptop and piles of second grade work and books. The ornaments are boxed up. The lights are tied with string. The angel is tucked into bubble wrap. The old-fashioned metal tinsel I bought several years ago has been returned to the jar. The tree skirt is folded. The stockings have been packed, leaving candy deposited in four bowls on the microwave. Only one box remains open and it will be added to the attic soon. The tree itself is in the backyard. It will live on to become part of a tepee or fort.