Skeleton Crew
We gather together to talk the logistics
Of where we will meet and when
And to whom will be given the tasks
That surround the collection of
Turkeys and trees.
Fewer gifts to give this time,
And fewer places to together in.
We carry it heavy as we make our plans
And our knee-bones bend,
Their fissures full of grief.
December 19, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Hi ClancyJane–
A poet named Judith Viorst wrote a volume of poems titled “If I were in Charge of the World and Other Worries”. She’s from my neck of the woods–Newarkl, NJ where ordinary folks like us try our best to offer solutions and/or “fixes”. Unfortunately, there isn’t a fix possible for what the content of this poem holds. That leaves me the only alternative… which is to stand back and admire its beauty.
you are no ORDINARY folk. it’s very sweet what you said.
“…since Hannah went away…”. so sad. one of my favorites.
December 20, 2008 at 9:16 pm
killing me …with your words
and I mean that in the most complimentary way
it would be true even if I did not know exactly–NO. Mostly– what you mean
you do know– exactly. i wrote it after we talked. and i am killed, too.
December 23, 2008 at 1:05 am
clancyjane, i will be thinking of you and yours this holiday…
January 3, 2009 at 12:18 am
Wow.
It’s been a heavy year for you.
I pray that your 2009 will feel light and beautiful.
pretty heavy, yeah, but we try to carry it together. i guess that’s the key. light and beautiful– perfect. thanks, julia. you always know just what to say. seriously.
January 21, 2009 at 11:27 pm
The holidays can heal and kill all at once like this.
yes. fervently.