The Christmas Tree Trimmer

"It should be twice as tall as a boy,
so a boy can’t steal the star."
--Truman Capote

He stands on tiptoes
in front of each tree,
reaches up his hand
to every angel,
every star,
every trimming
taller than his fingertips,
hoping for a touch of heaven.

He does not know time
will bring heaven to him,
will put it in his hand,
will let him hold its angel,
will let him touch the top
of all its tallest trees
trimmed for the child on tiptoes,
for the boy who reaches for stars.


--©2009 Charles Ghigna