A CERTAIN MAGIC

A box came in the mail
At Christmas time-
Its corners softened
From wear
And closed up tight
With more tape
Than was necessary-
The address handwritten

Inside, each of its contents
Were wrapped in brightly
Colored wrapping paper,
Separated and cushioned
By out-of-state newspapers.

Once it was emptied though-
And the presents were
Placed under the tree, and
The newspaper Tossed
In the wood bin-
A certain magic
Persisted and clung to
The cardboard box.
I was reluctant
To throw it away.