2004/rainy

Rainy day
just after
Christmas,
everything
is already
packed away,
the last of
the votives
burn.
It was a blur
more than usual.
Still it consumes
the whole of life
mid-November
to New Year’s,
nothing else
goes on,
can be accomplished,
(No matter
how hard
you try.)
This thing
called the holidays
dominates.
Refusing to be
simplified enough
to be simple.
Resisting holiness,
subverting routine
the normal day.
Obscuring the joy
and peace it advertises.
I’m not a Scrooge
but a devoted follower
who steps forward
each year
reconsidering,
re-newing my
commitment
to transform
my ordinary
life into something
magical.
Hoping for love
and peace,
peace on earth
goodwill toward
men,
finding it sometimes
digging for change
to give the girl
on the street corner.
Good family
going through had
times.
I think that’s
the true message
of the season.
We are good
but going through
hard times.

12/28/04