Joy

Theme: Christmas - any aspect thereof
Words to use: palpable, replete, whisper, symbol
Forbidden words: the, of, a, for, an, to, I, you, me, from, in, and



Joy.

Early morning risings -
excited stage whispers:
Don't wake Mom!
Too late!

Joy.

Kona coffee by firelight:
silent moment
pre-chaos.
Anticipation palpable.

Joy.

Shouts, giggles,
glass-breaking squeals.
Happy tears.
Hugs. Then, more hugs.

Joy.

Wrapping paper, ribbon
catastrophy.
Grandkids arrive:
Round Two ensues.

Joy.

Kitchen time:
turkey magic bastings.
Listening with one ear--
three conversations colliding.

Joy.

Hands held, heads bowed.
Surrounded by grace.
Everyone squeezed together.
No kid's table this year.


Joy.

Replete. We are alone
once more, fireside.
Smiling. Exhausted.
Blissful. More Kona coffee.

Joy

Kitchen restored.
Tree looks empty now, lonely.
Ah, not finished yet.
One more, says he.

Joy.

Tiny gold-foil wrapped box
hanging by scarlet ribbon--
uppermost branches, untouched
by small fingers, puppy curiosity.

Joy.

Tiny gold-painted stick--
symbolizing happily stuck.
Coffee mugs clink, we drink.
No words necessary. Surrounded by

Joy.