This one is probably too dated for such a late deadline, and over 16 lines--maybe I should ax the first stanza. Anyway, here's my effort:
[Relineated into 12 lines, per John's suggestion below. Plus a few other tweaks. Thanks, John!]
The flowers are dead. The leaves have fled. All colors have forgotten us
But red and green. The Yuletide scene each year grows more monotonous.
But wait! What's that? A bold éclat of neon Astrobrite!
A GOING OUT OF BUSINESS banner! What a welcome sight!
The shops' displays for holidays have bothered me each year.
Their mercenary making-merry seemed so insincere.
But this year, see how honestly they're drooling for my dough?
They're GOING OUT OF BUSINESS now, and EVERYTHING MUST GO!
Now churchy types can cease their gripes at neutral SEASON'S GREETINGS;
The pew-averse won't have to curse those MERRY CHRISTMAS sheetings.
Now no one whines at storefront signs' divisive words of peace!
Ah, GOING OUT OF BUSINESS! And the hopeful phrase FOR LEASE!
Julie Stoner
[This message has been edited by Julie Stoner (edited November 24, 2008).]
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