Valentina Under the Christmas Tree

There's a shimmer in the morning and a sparkle on the floor. Valentina's up and

dancing, though she said she'd sleep till four. She's got glitter

on her sweatshirt, snow boots by the door. She twirls beneath the tree lights

like she's done it years before. She says, "Mom, don't take my

picture," then strikes a pose so free. She rolls her eyes,

but secretly she loves this energy. Oh, Valentina, under the Christmas

tree, a little wild, a little sweet as can be. Laughing as the

tinsel falls, dancing through the decked out halls, she's a holiday melody.