Solitary Christmas

 

Empty cups.
Silent table.
The unrung phone.
The untrod step.

Guests gave their regrets.
Family scattered far.
Friends with other friends.
No cookies in the jar.

The tinsel tree gave its last gasp.
Too many broken festive lights.
No turkey in the oven.
No gifts are causing fights.

This is what you wanted,
all those years ago -
no more holiday drama,
no more mistletoe.

The icy calm of quiet.
Music from the past plays on.
A comfy couch and time for thoughts,
Seen out the window, a faun.

Meditations deepen
as night encroaches.
No false cheer;
No gaudy broaches.

Another splendidly satisfying
Christmas Day.
Few can understand the attraction.
Of not being forced to play.

 ©Ellen Pepper 2025

Image: dreamstime.com