This is a photo taken by Sue Wyatt Shinkle of Kansas City's famous Plaza lights at Christmas time right before a winter storm hit. When my kids lived in other states but came home for Christmas, they always said the sight of the Plaza lights let them know they were really home.
CHRISTMAS EVE MEDITATION WHILE
WAITING TO PAY
Standing in shopping-center lines,
I remember last Christmas in your arms.
I dream your voice on the phone at midnight,
asking to come home,
how I will unlock the door
to admit you from the black cold
and hold you,
chilled and shaking from something
deeper than cold.
I dream you
on your knees, how I will
drop to my own and join you.
A tightmouthed woman behind me
jabs my back with a box corner,
and I step forward,
one person closer
to paying for what I want to give.
Published in Heart’s Migration (Tia Chucha Press,
2009)
I don't know what touches so deep when I read this poem. It does, though. My own dream is much the same, and I cry with it.
ReplyDeleteReine, i'm sorry I'm late responding. Have had a death in the family and a great deal of mess. I'm so glad that the poem resonates with you. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteThe feelings you write about are palpable. Thank you for sharing your raw emotions. Will be meeting you online with other guppies starting March 13. I love the conciseness of poetry.
ReplyDeleteBeth. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem. I'll look forward to meeting you in the class next week.
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