Hooray!  He’s here!
All seven bigger-than-life feet of him
lit up, grinning and waving.
 
My dog and I can relax,
enjoy our solitary evening walk
in December dark and cold:
a neighbor’s inflatable snowman
is looking out for us.
 
Strange about anxiety and fear,
how they swell or subside
on simple things sometimes.
What protection
could this snowman provide?
 
Yet with him here,
the whole street
seems cheerful and safe.
I walk taller, more slowly,
with less anxiety,
more confidence,
humming carols,
gazing at stars,
forgiving my dog for pulling.
 
When I look at the snowman
no matter my mood
I have to smile, silently thanking
his unknown-to-me family
for their generous gift
of comfort and joy.

© by Alessandra Foster.
Used with the author's permission.