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The elves in this workshop are busy getting ready for our own long winter's nap. Finishing reports and applications, setting up away messages on our email programs and phone line. At the end of this week, we'll take out the trash and lock the door until January 2023. Amidst the usual holiday bustle and the scurry to wrap up the office, wouldn't it be nice to take a big breath and a moment of stillness? A few minutes to rest on this chanson innocente, first published in 1925, in E.E. Cummings' signature playful style?

little tree

by E.E. Cummings

little tree
little silent Christmas tree
you are so little
you are more like a flower

who found you in the green forest
and were you very sorry to come away?
see i will comfort you
because you smell so sweetly

i will kiss your cool bark
and hug you safe and tight
just as your mother would,
only don’t be afraid
look the spangles

that sleep all the year in a dark box
dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,
the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,

put up your little arms
and i’ll give them all to you to hold
every finger shall have its ring
and there won’t be a single place dark or unhappy

then when you’re quite dressed
you’ll stand in the window for everyone to see
and how they’ll stare!
oh but you’ll be very proud

and my little sister and i will take hands
and looking up at our beautiful tree
we’ll dance and sing
“Noel Noel”

Image is the front of a thank you letter from the Canadian Women's Army Corps to the South Canoe Red Cross. Part of MS52 South Canoe and Larch Hills Red Cross Auxiliary Fonds.