Holly and Mistletoe (a haibun)--By Neena Singh--India

Holly and Mistletoe

First winter in the US, out for a walk on a cold December morning trying to catch the sun through now bare trees which have a solemn calm beauty and stillness. 

I walk on admiring the Christmas spirit visible everywhere... holly and mistletoe wreaths and lighted-up trees. In a garden, huge white cutouts of infant Jesus in a crib surrounded by Mary, Joseph and two angels, another has a snowman with a red cap and striped scarf.

A white US Postal Service van stops nearby and the young mail-man with  a friendly smile holds out a parcel, "I see you walking often...you are the one with a baby" Oh yes, I'm the granny..."but you don't even look that old" he grins.  

Sometimes, I meet other walkers with their dogs - I stop to ask about their pets and see the smile spreading to their eyes! Today I see a lovely corgi being led by a young long-haired guy and I think he looks like a geek - bespectacled, pyjama-clad and pulled out of bed by his pet. Stopping, I whistle and the dog strains its leash to come towards me. I am right - Michael is a data developer and the dog is a girl - Scout. She leaps up to me for a pat and as I bend to hug her, removing my gloves, she jumps up to give me a wet lick.

Oh! how I miss my own beloved labrador, Rumi back home in India.     

twelve days to Christmas

the fragrance of apple pie

spreading warmth

_____________

Neena Singh is the author of Whispers of the Soul - The Journey Within, a book of poetry showcasing her passion for nature and life. The book and e-book are available on Amazon. She is the creator of ‘soul2soul’, a well-loved group on Facebook, committed to spreading peace, goodwill and light through theme-based discussions among members. She has received awards for her contribution in banking, management and social work. Neena lives with her husband, Prithpal and her golden lab, Rumi, in Chandigarh.