Holidays end
in a flurry
of excitement,
wrapping paper,
and ribbon. 
Quiet day today.
Time to simplify.
Christmas tree
will glow until
the new year,
but window candles
will be dimmed.
Christmas dishes
wrapped and
tucked away.
Kitchen birds
no longer resplendent
in necklaces
of holiday bells.
As it should be.
Like fireworks, holidays
sparkle for a brief
time and remain
as only memory.
Ready to de-clutter,
except for the mice.
They can stay
a bit longer.