An old man with an elf

if you’ll come with a box this time,
don’t bring what no one asked for,
these days, your gifts are just like
the beard you wear yearly – fake.

maybe come with an empty box,
one big enough to accommodate
a sprinkle of ill-luck from the earth,
this time, don’t give, rather – take.

the colour of your attire is the
colour that carpets our eyes now.
although like us, you wear a frail smile,
your presence is one we look forward to,

Tomide Abdul