Christmas Here

last couple of hours spent
on edge of chair
and sometimes nerves
sometimes more in the center
of the hub where it is 
safe
and hands are held 
round a laden table in mutual 
grace
the back and forth swing and sway
of family
with and without patience
heavy-burdened with 
love
years of blood with some 
in-law-out-law-mingled-mix
It is always interesting. 
we admit
not always fun. 
but sometimes great. 


This was one of those days. 


Step outside from inner warm
glow
to outside 
crisp
clear and singular stars glance
through veiled cloud wisps
and i breathe one
smartsharp
breath


somewhere jingling faint
floats down and through, over chilled air
a tinny electronic something plays
the tune of some merry Christmas cheer
it translates down
snowy street
some elder-young Christmas magic 
here
while i wait
to climb in car and drive
away