The Christmas Chills

Shopping, Shopping, Christmas shopping.

Enough! I have had enough,
It's stressing me out;
I gather all the gift lists
and toss them into the fire.
I pull the plug on the entire Christmas decor
and slam shut the doors and windows
against a melee of my kith and kin,
against a howling wind
against a starless frosty night.

I wish for the grumpy Grinch
to return and steal this
boisterous and rambunctious festivity again.

I shut off the Christmas music
and plunge my home
into total darkness and silence.

I drop down on my knees,
depressed, sorrowful and forlorn,
I fold my hands, bow my head
and cry silently,
trying to lighten the turmoil within,
To mend the lilt of the true spirit of Christmas
that time has set awry.

Way past midnight
I light a solitary candle
and venture to gather
some warmth from its
gentle and heartening glow.