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The season approaches,
Speeding toward us on arctic zephyrs,
but the coldness is more than air
it seeps under the skin
where loneliness begins.

Is there any other day
where solitude's talons rake,
mutilating peace of mind,
quite so much as Christmastide.

Every commercial, acid sweet,
pouring depression over wounded souls,
digs it way to the past.
Memories of brighter days
faintly gleam in the background.

The twinkle of lights are
only merry when shared.
Lumps of coal bitterness
are all that remain;
Hard Candy Christmas
without the sweet--
Not even an orange seed.

Ask Ebeneezer,
he will tell you
Bah and Hum Bug feelings
are all there are.
Until kindness reaches out,
Memories are no chrism
for loneliness--for onliness.

Solo flights over Christmas lights
No protective V to shelter
no tandem lift for spirits
even in a bottle;
just wings ever weakening;
Lifeforce ever shrinking
on this journey to the end.

One invitation--
one empathetic heart
in the true spirit
to celebrate en
mass for Christ;
hands extended heart open
turn gleaming tears
to smiles of gratitude.

Forget the gifts
except those God-given
it is they that open
the Kingdom of Heaven
"Inasmuch as ye have
done to the least of these
my brethren,
ye have done unto me."*

So open wide the doors,
invite the lonely in,
add a plate to the table
shared with kith and kin.

Embrace the coldness
of an empty heart
to fill it with riches
as you let them be a part
of a family again,
if only for a while.

Remember that neighbor
who sits on his own,
great uncle dan eating
crackers and microwave meals,
or even the couple who just moved in
or the old sad lady who lives next to them.

Christmastime can glitter
and be the darkest blue.
It's hues and lightness
vary, impacted and changed by you.
Don't know one with this face?
Open your eyes,
but peer with your heart.

If someone comes to mind,
beckon them, Come!
It's a place to begin.



* Matthew 25:40