pictured words

Seated in my comfortable chair
across from my adorned and
glowing Christmas tree,
there is a sweet hush to my home.
Most of my shopping is done.
I’m planning a small Christmas Eve
gathering with family I was born into,
and new-found loves who may
not speak English well,
but speak love fluently.

Yesterday morning,
sweet, colorful cookies were
trayed and displayed. Many came
to make purchases for this season’s
celebrations.  The money,
not enough to cover the costs
of war. The sweet aromas,
not enough to cover the stench
of death in the nostrils of those
who were able to escape, let alone
waft to where unwarranted revulsion
continues to slaughter and steal.

I relax, plan, shop, decorate,
and enjoy these sweet friends
I never would have known,
if not for their unfathomable plight.
And I beg forgiveness
for too easily shoving aside
the tempest that wells within –
for my inability to calm the one they live with
every waking moment.

© Marie Elena Good, 2023

#glorytoUkraine