melted

my first christmas tree

we put it up all together, my new family, number two of three (or perhaps of seven, or thirteen, or one hundred) ornaments on each branch, each inch plastered with love and goodwill, it is, after all, his birthday.

it was cold outside, so we shivered in the foyer side by side, unpacking and unmasking each decoration, each other, each item more fragile and more precious than the one before it, we saved ourselves for last.

now christmas music plays in my dreams from the stereo next to my couch, i am in a holiday mood even when the world forces dreary navy blues on my skies, i slip on the ice outside and hit my head, i wonder if santa saved me from a concussion, all is merry and bright.

we are all together these nights, bubbling oil and fresh bowls of cereal, happy and healthy, at least we are trying, it is not quite cohesive but it is, the sun rises and we are daybreak-bound, all on our own journeys.

i will be home for christmas (one out of three.)