Up and down the sidewalks,

under roofs blanketed in white,

the people walk past windows

staring at what’s inside.

Through panels of frosted glass

and under colored lights

stores showcase all their goods

for customers to buy.

The season’s music plays discreetly,

Greeting all the passer-bys.

Hints of sales and warmth

call and beckon them inside.

The children ask their mothers

for this month’s fleeting trend.

For Christmas is around the corner,

and now is time to spend.

I stand outside the window

watching the scenery within.

Snowflakes fall and press against

my freezing, exposed skin.

If only I had the mother to

ask for Christmas gifts.

Or the shoes and shirts for service,

to enter those stores in.

Above it all., what stings the most

upon this winter’s day

is the families that pass me by

have a home in which to stay.