O Christmas Tree

I helped the tree to bed today,
18 days past her bedtime,
with nary a fuss
because even SHE knew
she was tired
and needed to sleep.

For awhile,
someone or other
would turn on her lights,
let her sparkle and shine,
extending the magic of her season
for just another night,
but eventually
we stopped.

And she stood lonely
in the corner
waiting for slumber
and to dream tree dreams
and such
of which none of us
have a clue.

So I helped the tree to bed today,
pulled the covers up to her chin,
sang her a sweet lullaby,
and wished her pleasant dreams
until we meet again.

And she said the same,
in her quiet plastic tree way.