This Christmas Day
I awoke with a start convinced I heard
the clatter of sleigh bells.
Ha, what a sentimental fool.
It was simply the vaccine tags on the
beagle’s neck jing-jing-jing-a-linging.
I plugged in the lights on our
lopsided tree and it dawned on me
I fall in love every day.
Standing in the sliding glass doorway as the
beagle took care of basic business
I felt this most holy morning’s chill.
Soon my wife and children would stir
themselves awake to smells of
sausage balls and piñon coffee.
Then a handful of gifts to unwrap.
I thought mercy, we made it
one more round. On that rather
earthly threshold my soul felt its worth.
I’m grateful for your words, John Blase, dangerous and comforting at turns, always exposing more of my soul to the piercing glory. You are my favorite poet, and I wish you and your sweet family the best happiness today.
I am just echoing Kelly’s words. I look forward to your words almost as much as my first morning cup of coffee.