It’s become a tradition now.
Who knows when it all began…
this being invited
by co-workers, neighbors, and friends
this filling of the plate
at the richly-decorated
sumptuous, bounteous
holiday table sparkling, brimming
with squash et cetera
laden with family-love
absolutely overflowing
and especially remarkable
to the solitary
kind of dry and crusty figure
dressed up
smiling gratefully
trying desperately
to speak politely
and ever so kindly to one and all
so as not to reveal
(especially not
in front of the children)
the hurt, rejection
and other various and sundry
traumas that have been
accumulating over time
or has it been since birth?
Can the guest
(who will remain unnamed)
be grateful
throughout this day
and when it ends
can the guest
endure
(or at least believe)
all genuine intentions
extended
and freely offered
can the guest
look in these
giving, abundant, shining eyes
forgetting and forsaking
all negative, fast-encroaching memories
so as to be safe, as a guest,
in this very place,
Today?
Later, in the still, silent, sterile world
barren of children, pets, family-love
Will the guest
(now throwing
off that favored mantle)
be able to hold steady
those memories, resentments
to hold stable
(or even at bay)
those obsessive thoughts
not having been
the fortunate host
but rather,
the respected guest?
To let that heart remain
open
to that much-needed
but strange abundance
again,
freely given
and be at peace with the world,
at least until the New Year
or until the glow subsides?