Fast typing - "Christmas Mail"

Cards in each mailbox, angel, manger, star and lamb

as the rural carrier, driving the snowy roads

hears from her bundles the plaintive bleating of sheep

the shuffle of sandals, the clopping of camels

At stop after stop, she opens the little tin door

and places deep in the shadows the shepherds and wise men, the donkeys lank and weary, the cow who chews and muses.

And from her Styrofoam cup, white as a star and perched on the dashboard, leading her ever into the distance

there is a hint of hazelnut, and then a touch of myrrh.