Respites

There are respites
from the Awful Rowing.
The brush of an infant’s hair
against my cheek.
The breath-taking beauty
of my daughter when
she first awoke – yellow
curls, rosy cheeks, crystal
blue eyes. Her clear soprano
for the “Hallelujah” chorus.
My son’s perfect note –
downstroke. Eine Kleine.
Toby’s head upon my knee
in an unexpected gesture
from my faithful friend to my
unspoken need for comfort
– he always knew first.
Mom’s pink Christmas tree
with the blue glass globes
chosen with great care. The
babydoll – my gift still with me
to this day. The Designer
revealed in the amazing
geometry of snowflakes
clearly defined against
the dark green sleeve
of my woolen snowsuit.
Christmas Eve sitting on
the front steps with Cait
and Liam. Alan’s embrace.
And, of course, the stars.

–

Need more holiday cheer? There are plenty of good reads here!

• A Matter of Tradition – Personal Essay
• Almost Christmas Morning – Christmas Eve Essay
• Vacation to the Dragons of Io Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3 – Christmas Fiction
• Christmas Traditions – Personal Essay
• Fireplace for Your Home – Christmas Essay
• Weaving Lace – Christmas Poem

Martha Ellen

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Martha Ellen lives alone in an old Victorian house on a hill on the Oregon coast. Retired social worker. History of social justice activism. Worked for the NFWA [Farm Workers] in the 60s. MFA in painting and drawing. Two grown children; four grandchildren - the joys of her life. She writes to make sense of the long and winding road.

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