Ma gave me a coat for Christmas.

It was puffy and pliable,

Until I wore it in the cold.

Then it became rigid as the wind

Slapped it head on.

Ears red, nose red, hood dormant.

Never surrounding my head.

Christmas coats diminish in size

From year to year.

Requiring puffier more pliable cover.

The kids razzed and made fun of the coats.

The insults grew more harsh,

Each passing year.

Sometimes I wouldn’t wear them.

Now, the cold slaps me head on.

I buy my own coats.

They are puffy and pliable.

My ears are warm, my nose less red,

My hood wrapping my good sense.

Ma gave me coats for Christmas.