2002/henry

Henry, the ten-year-old
Christmas tree, is
back in the house,
after a couple
of years off.
I thought we had
retired him –
this year we will
for sure.
But I said that
before.
Too tall now
for the low side
of the living room,
he sits at the far
end, his bare back
side hidden as best
we can.
My daughter’s musician
boyfriend, who does not
talk much, keeps saying
“Cool tree.”
It is sort of a half-witted
Christmas.
I tried to care, and do.
But that is not enough
to save the day
from the year it has
been.

12/9/02(added to afterward)