Alone, elderly, widowed,
the family all scattered —
what I dread about Christmas
is the kindness of rescuing friends …
but refusals would seem
not only rude, ungrateful, but weird.
So, false polite thanks as they drag me
from sweet Pagan solitude.
Actually, I did tell the friend who invited me this year, 'I don't really do Christmas.' But she said, ' Wouldn't you just like to come for a nice Vegan meal?' Put like that, it did sound nice, and I accepted happily.
This poem started out to be a sijo, but I needed an extra line, so I'm calling it an extended sijo.
Written for Friday Writings #157: Holiday Anxieties.
This brief poem carries a lot of truths...sometimes the kindness can get weird but a home-cooked meal is always a wonderful offer. I do love the sound of sweet, pagan solitude. That said, do pop in anytime you have the craving for Indian food!! :) :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, how I wish I could pop in and visit with you.
Delete(PS I think it's my desire to retreat into aloneness which is weird, really.)
DeleteHow lucky you are to have such kind and loving friends....so many are left alone not by choice. Enjoy the holidays
ReplyDeleteIndeed I am very blessed in my friends, and after all I can indulge my introversion at other times.
Delete