Christmas

 

poetry workshop
i am asked to write
about favourite christmas foods
christmas songs
favourite gifts

i write
do as I am told
my lines have no meaning
do not pull at heartstrings
leave me cold
leave me hamstrung
inept

my pen freezes

then it dawns
I am different

i sit awhile
listen quietly
to the dialogue
of difference
discomfort
acceptance

pen flows warm and free
diwali sweets
lanterned streets
swinging skirts
fireworks
waiting by the phone
hope turning to stone
reflections
regret
empty nest
empty darkness the only witness
greeting
receiving
receiving
hope renewed
gathering
giving
missing
gratitude

universality of festivity

dec 2019