Soapbox

Light It Up

…And it came to pass that it rained all day that Christmas
with the wind out of the west, gusting to the bone.
The kids were bored and sullen and they grumbled at the weather
'cause they couldn't take their sleds out and had to stay at home.

And it came to pass that they all ate too much dinner,
argued over the dishes and who'd take out the trash.
Mom  was complaining and Dad pontificating-
there was way too much family for this Christmas joy to last.

As the rain came down they huddled under bridges.
wrapped their coats around them and endured another day
and the only trip they made was to the church around the corner
where they kept a pot of coffee and would let a fellow stay.

But the sun came up, like always, and the rooms were still and empty
except for all the memories of the other lonely years.
Little celebration when you greet each day alone
with regrets for your company, wrap a bow around your fears.

And it came to pass that there was no 'why' of christmas
'cause they buried it in tinsel and stuff they didn't need-
in distilled good cheer and carols that were just familiar melodies
to celebrate indulgence with little thought and deed.

But it came to pass that the sun broke through the clouds
and a bird sang very softly- it might have been a dove
and somewhere, someone paused, and their smile lit a candle
wihich lit another candle… and ignited Christmas love.