The child pressed his face to the window,

his hands spread as though keeping the glass in place.

From inside, I caught a glimpse of his wide eyed stare;

peering open-mouthed, surprised at the elf,

who was waving and smiling back at him!

I was once that child;

long before time erased my childhood,

and adulthood bade me remember innocence.

I was once that elf;

long before I got a local job,

during my teenage years.

I watched the child wave back,

and make way for another.

The elf giggled quietly,

all being happy and good.

Christmas was appearing on the shelves

and in a week or two, we could see Santa!

Who knows?