First Edit: Lonesome as a Hotel Lobby Christmas Tree

[Richard]

Hotel Lobby Christmas Tree

Lights obey a timer,
yet the angel rules
over plastic branches;
its freshly painted halo
easily overlooked
among late arrivals,
early checkouts.

I'd like to think
you'd notice too,
complain how they
should have used a star-
your impromptu sermon
ignored by everyone
but me.

Original:

Lonesome as a Hotel Lobby Christmas Tree

Easily overlooked
among late arrivals,
early checkouts.
Lights obey a timer,
while an aged angel
is crooked, burned out,
but its halo freshly painted.

I'd like to think
you'd notice too:
stop, smile,
whisper some words
just loud enough
so you feel a little less alone.