an early Christmas

it's too early

for 
Christmas, but i put a tree up

just the same.

i know

the needles

will fall

off in November, but i have

that covered

with a can of green

spray paint

i purchased at the hardware

store,

and the scented

candles, that have the smell

of pinecones,

and evergreens.

i keep a small fire extinguisher

nearby

as the tree dies,

and dries out

and becomes a fire

hazard.

i put a smoke alarm

at the top

of the tree,

instead of a star.

my dog and cat both look me,

then at one another,

and whisper.

i think he's losing it.

no, scratch that,

i think he's lost.