Second Sunday of Advent

The Tree

by U.A. Fanthorpe

In the wood I am one of many
I am felled, sold, chosen
To be sole tree of a house.
I am throned in a gold bucket.
Light is sewn through my branches,
Precious gifts wrapped in silver
depend from my twigs. Star-crowned,
I am adored by children, cordially hated
By hoovering housewives, distrusted
by Health and Safety Officers, who name me
Fire Hazard. I reign for twelve days,
Then am sacrificed among rubbish,
Where I wither, age decay.

But every year I rise again indoors,
Hazardous fire of love.