when you touch down upon this earth

when you touch down upon this earth. little reindeers
hoofing murderously at the gray slate roof: I lie beneath
dearest father xmas: will you bring me another 17 years

you gave me my first tin star and my first tin wreath
warm socks tangerines and a sloppy midnight kiss
I left you tollhouse cookies. you gave me bloody briefs

lipodystrophy neurosthesia neutropenia mild psychosis
increased liver enzymes increased bilirubin and a sweater
don't get me wrong: I like the sweater. though it itches

but what's the use of being pretty if I won't get better?
bouncing me against your red woolies you whisper: dear
boy: unzip your enormous sack. pull me quick into winter