The longest night of the year
Winter Solstice
Darkest time of the year
for me, Christmas
every year
The Christmas carols
harken from my past
when December was light
night was silent only in song
loved ones long lost
now dwell in darkness visible
Dinner an obligation
the light from one son and his lady
cannot revive a soul so dark
even dogs keep their distance
I still try due to tradition
she is at my table, and not
This year arthritis is present
Husband and I both straddle the pain chart
ride it like the dragon it is
fire at various levels
rages or simmers
but never cools its power
Mother never warms
her reptilian temperature
Sits still in her chair
coiled and waiting
her prowess to strike
gives her pleasure
at the misfortune
of others—she sheds skin
grows larger with their pain
her smirk hisses louder
So I awaken the morning after
full of gratitude and grace
the coldest holiday passes
unimpeachable December
and unworldly expectations
Onward towards the new year
and rebirth of promised Spring
