Of Camels and A Cabbage

For want of Christmas lights at Target one year,

the shelves nearly empty,
competing customers crowding,

I grabbed nearly the only ones left--

pink and purple.

For want of time to plant a purple cabbage in October
it remained in its plastic pot till December.

For want of enough family coming for Christmas,
the mid-century punch bowl set would stay hidden
and dream of years past when it held punch by Oprah.

For want of a fine focal point for Goodwill camels to graze,
a White Christmas tree claimed that it surely would amaze.

For want of amazement the camels pled No!

Give us the purple cabbage, please,
in the dusty punch bowl.

Oprah's Vanilla Citrus Punch

Combine: 3 cups fresh orange juice [I use store-bought],

1 cup pineapple juice, canned, and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice.

Split and scrape 1 whole vanilla bean into juice and whisk.

Cover and refrigerate till chilled, at least 2 hours.

Before serving add 1 1/2 cup ginger ale or San Pellegrino.