The taxi glows like a dying ember, Jingles lost in the roar of an engine cough. Faces cracked with laughter, But the smiles don’t warm the glass. Outside, a streetlamp hums, A lone carol for no one listening. Inside, the red bleeds brighter— Suits, hats, and half-empty dreams. Fingers drum on frosted metal, Crushed receipts and candy canes line the dash. The city spins, As they disappear into the smudged snow.