snow begins in 21 minutes

blizzard warning morning 

something to wake up to 

on this day after solstice 

longest night after shortest day 

but now light lengthens more each week 

as winter grips our wrists not letting go 

denting white finger marks on skin 

eyes look upward for the Christmas star 

Jupiter and Saturn aligned for the first time in 800 years 

but clouds cover and street lights obscure 

and so the snow will pile up 

and winds will chill 

and we will imagine an infant born  

vaccine hope

cat lengthens on loveseat 

chocolates invite round coffee table 

Bach’s Weinachtsoratorium waltzes room 

triangle tree shape lights corner 

flakes chaotic dance through window 

and here I am alone 

heart full of the gyrations of 

COVID advent

advent 2020

little wood block painted 

green 

coiled wire glued on top 

rising up in kinks and 

curves 

suspending a Christmas bow and 

a wiry star 

swaying slightly and 

bouncing on its 

coils 

pathetic really 

this decoration made by a child 

with unsteady hands 

and on the side 

in gold juvenile cursive 

“wise men still seek him” 

Ha - yes

welcome James

slumbers blissfully in happy arms 

little fist covers ear 

placid eyes closing off the world 

for all eyes rest on him 

the focus of warm flannel 

and soft light 

we can’t hold him but 

we hold out our hearts in 

thanks for this joy 

in these sorry times 

in this wintry place