Next Christmas

Forgive my lack of merriment,
       I’ll forgive your lack of presence
                             and the only gift I want
                                   this year is for this not to become tradition.
                                                                 Next Advent, I’d rather wait for Jesus.

I’m asking grace
for my lack of cheer,
and extending grace
          to all.
But I need flesh
                for this skeletal
                family,
just a manger for my heart.
              Next Christmas, I want you here.




submitting at Gooseberry Garden