by Kishari McGlory, November 10,2020

Holidays approach the season quickly.

I  am not the least prepared.

Lights gleaming, bells are jingling swiftly.

Sweet smells of Christmas fill the air.

Check items from my list of gifts.

Give Santa all the credit.

I say a prayer and send a wish.

To my spouse who’s now in heaven.

I fill my tree with optimism.

Dreary ornaments hang low.

4 years of isolated Christmas.

Not a single spec of snow.

The children shriek their happy shrieks.

I wrap the gifts with care.

Somber feelings grow from widow’s peak.

Stress entangled in my hair.

Reluctant excitement flows amidst.

I paint downtrodden smiles.

Mistletoe present, no one to kiss.

Hasn’t felt like Christmas in a while.