One whole block of houses nearby is lit up
with strings of Christmas lights and decorations,
each yard different but equally intense—
some with huge 12-foot inflatables,
grinches and snowmen and Santas,
and reindeer and carolers and candy canes;
others with trees festooned top-to-bottom
with red and green and white lights,
and, among all the garish, flashing things,
one lovely, simple, terra cotta nativity scene.
Jesus looks so cozy, tucked into the creche,
undisturbed by holiday displays, sleeping
peacefully, with enough equanimity for all.
