LATE ON CHRISTMAS EVE
The lights are off...
the tree all dark,
though little glitter sparkles
gleam,
still
scattered
on my carpet
from where the wrapping papers
torn heedlessly
and cast aside
have shed their essence.
The grandchildren
all are home
and tucked,
awaiting further plunder
come the morn.
Husband sleeps
as does the dog...
But me?
I sit
here at my window on the world
and think.
So tired
my feet
seem barely connected
to my being
And yet
I smile...
for today at 10
I danced.
Yes,
quite in public,
caring not at all
for watching eyes,
My arms
around
an extension of my heart
called Kimberly.
Silver Bells,
yes, Silver Bells,
was playing
so...
I took her soft, young hands
in mine
And right there in the
ice cream shoppe
all glowing red and white
beneath the rows of crystal chandeliers
in the aisle
between the chairs
we danced.
And my entire being
was a smile.
Fondly,
folks
in line to pay their bills
smiled as they saw
A grandmother in love
and dancing
with her heart.
Then,
later,
in my kitchen as I baked
the feast for Christmas Eve alone
My mind ranged back long years
to days when I
was in the role of child
and my mother,
grandmother,
and I,
together
we three
prepared the food...
six hands
flashing
in the flour.
And, so, the flow
of life
was with me
all around
As in my kitchen all alone
'twas only my own two.
Where did it go?
Those days
whose being one would think
to last forever
Yet never do?
So, now, I
am grandmother
and pouring through my door,
shedding coats
and hats
and laughter,
Come the progeny of my heart.
I set my giant turkey on the table
glowing gold with crispiness
while little Joey asks
Where his hotdog is.
Jo Anzalone 12-24-2003
Back: Stephen, Joey
Front: Melanie, Emily, Kimberly holding Isabella Rose