To A Spouse Serving In Afghanistan
Boot buckles in the mud room,
unfastened on the floor;
scarves and mittens on the bench,
and coats hung on the door;
and all our togetherness,
like movie tickets in a drawer…
How long do you vacuum until Christmas glitter’s gone away?
The store-bought sparkling snow you spread on Santa’s sleigh?
How long after Christmas will you find needles on the floor?
How long will we be apart, how long will last the war?
Spray snow on the window pane,
a star beneath the chair;
a stash of ancient fruit cake
we did not think to share;
forgotten Christmas CDs,
unheard like my prayer…
How long do you vacuum until Christmas glitter’s gone away?
The store-bought sparkling snow you spread on Santa’s sleigh?
How long after Christmas will you find needles on the floor?
How long will we be apart, how long will last the war?
--
notes
Late getting this one up, as I am.... well, I was going to say I was busy, but perhaps I am pre-occupied with my happiness.
I was cleaning a few days ago, and the elusive remnants of the holidays made this pop into my head...
I was cleaning a few days ago, and the elusive remnants of the holidays made this pop into my head...
3 comments:
O I like you connecting the Christmas residue with a spouse serving in Afghanistan.
Is it all right (PC) to say I am glad you are preoccupied with happiness?
Sometime the pine tree needles of memory last until summer.
I am happy that things are beginning to take shape and become clear.
I think you are much preoccupied with your family, too.
Yes, happily.
[more true: ecstatically.]
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