Night of the fanfares

It's raining on the day of the Sun god
grey clouds descend from the skies
horses of crystal gallop
angels
bring storms of cold tinsel.
On the night of fanfares
of cold street corners
and smoke of cardboard
merchants
sell golden illusions
clerical dreams
cribs without children
in plastic trees.
The pharisee
in black frock coat and red hat
in his litany of holy man
dresses in peace.
In the name of the holy heavens
he raises his hand
blesses hypocrisy
blesses wars
and children's hunger.
He condemns women with white hands
who at sunset
wash lies from the shrouds.
The myth rises
from the fatuity of temples
and descends the streets
of dreams without hope.
In the dark room of deceits
a ragged cape warms my thoughts
twenty-fifth of December
Sun god disappears from the firmament.

London, Christmas 1987
© Carlos Reyes-Manzo