Winter Vines

Like branching vines in the thickest of jungles, the spindly web stretches all over the sides of the house. Then the other side, until no corner is left untouched. Like a disease it spreads, home to home, house to house, on roofs, doors, windows and lawns all over the neighborhood on a dull, cloudy, and crisp winter afternoon.

It began in early November. Now it seems to be completely taking over. Is nowhere safe? But as the sun sets below the horizon, signaling the impending cold darkness, the vines finally come to life, like shimmering stars everywhere. Christmas has arrived.