Vera, why does Christmas
Frighten you endlessly
You have been fleeing it forever
But it just haunts you back

I’ve seen the fairies you flee for
They’ve lost their magic on me
So why beware of all that may happen
Just take a long, long run
And don’t leave the way

And take me along
Into a New Year’s Day
Where all meaning’s gone
And you don’t need to say
What’s on your mind

 The tortures of candlelight diners
Stampeding reindeer in your head
Carol’s singing: “You are a sinner”
Just wipe the needles off your dress
And don’t scrooge away

She’s as bad as her ball gown
From ages ago
Teases minds as she prowls round
Despite we know
She’s as kind as her angel eyes
That smile upon you

(You wear your fear as a ball gown
of ice to freeze us we know.
But we are only a recall from ages ago.
Be as kind as your angel eyes
and we’ll smile upon you)

 

2 photos by Diane Arbus