Well, that's that. The tree is down now, stripped of its lights and glittering regalia.
(Tannenbaumschmuck, they call the ornaments in German: “fir tree jewelry.” Like a high priestess, the Yule tree wears a bejeweled nudity.)
Naked, it leans against the back wall in the alley, awaiting pick-up.
Soon, it will be chipped and turned into compost, from which some day, perhaps, new trees will grow.
Yule is over. The king is dead.
Long live the king.
Photo: Wren Swart