A Symbol of Hope

On Christmas Eve,
They gather round in reverence,
Ooh-ing and Ah-ing at the festive greens,
The shimmering ornaments,
The flickering lights, and
The shining star.
A lift to the spirits,
A joyous tradition –
In their words,
A symbol of hope,
Peace, and love.
Happiness.

A few days later,
They gather round in a rush.
Muttering and grumbling at the horrible chore,
The monotonous removal,
The continuous wrapping, and
The annoying untangling.
A chore to be done quickly,
A season completed –
Stored away,
A symbol hidden,
Unseen and unfelt.
Forgotten.