with those who go for peace this or any day

the afternoon is leaning
as we have this day
to mark
the birth of Jesus
Joshua
who saves

and we have holly
I’m not sure about the ivy
bulbs on trees
of
various materials
that among things
challenge
cats

we have presents out of boxes
or assembled
of a shape that
takes
a ribbon only

and we’ll have special food
that might go heavy
or
go light
so many cuisines practiced

and we could have thoughts for those
without
and go take care of them
or us
depending on our place
and situation

a secular or sacred
day
or how many traditions are expressed
as they are lived
and on this day perhaps
strange
harmony

to be believed
and shared

and those in trenches
of all kinds
though not unlike
1914
could have the adversaries join

or to face reality
we launch from afar
or
that sometimes the trenched place
is a city street
or division
in one
literal family

and then the metaphor
of family
as all of us who are the world
and how we fight
or
have peace
might be affected by a day
more
or less if happily
imposed

and I guess I’ve said
let the true test
go tomorrow
not
by angels though they referee
or act as ancient chorus
but
in the waking light
of culture’s normal day

could fight less
and make
peace
more not because the time of year
says so
but
in a timeless important day
we
say so

c l couch


I think maybe I repeat myself from yesterday—oh, well, eve and now the day—and Merry Christmas with wishes for each a special day!

photo by Ice Angel on Unsplash