storied redemption

speak comfort
to me
Jacob

I have none to give

the time for comfort’s learning
past
if there ever had been any
even encouragement
to grow

and I could be sorry
but your
redemption’s on the line

three ghosts
and all your ghosts
to name
or nameless live in childhood
the present
and
best guesses toward the future

have substance
psychological sharp edges
while
it’s the drama of the story to find out
and what
to do
upon discovery

and what if we’re not rich
to take the town to lunch
on
Christmas day

what if the miserly that’s opened
can only loosen a new attitude
resolution
without gold-backing

will
the family take us
and we hope
so to be
taken
giving and receiving what we may and
all around

whatever day to say
as
a Dickens Christmas day

c l couch


photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash