• Intertwined with anticipation
    And disappointment;
    Reality and fantasy
    Marbled like cake;
    Holiday traditions
    And contradictions abound.

    Flickering, flashing multi-colored
    Lights, wildly dancing to holiday tunes.
    Trees dressed for festivities
    They don't understand.
    Browns and grays replaced
    by greens and reds trimmed in golds and silvers.

    Smiles pasted on faces,
    With empty eyes looking out,
    Seeking a reason to
    Celebrate and rejoice
    When gray skies rule
    and snow threatens.

    Ribbons swirling on packages,
    Bows unraveling,
    Nutcrackers standing tall and erect,
    Sights and sounds so powerful;
    Can't you see and smell them
    Just by your own memories?

    Adults worrying, children scurrying,
    Compassion increasing, selfishness decreasing,
    Smiles spreading, tears waning,
    World conciousness acutely building
    Brotherly love awareness;
    Holiday time is upon us.