The Princess at Eight

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Pigtails 

Eyebrows unruly and wide

A smile like God's light

A heart of easy compassion

Secrets in a quiet voice

Mystery in deep creative eyes

A child with a gift

Pinned to her by God.

Dinner at the Diner

Photo by freestocks(dot)org on Pexels

I'd see him once a year / this time of year / 

in my dreams / in my wishes / in my heart /

yesterday / you weren't here /

not in my mind /

not in my desires / 

not in the blinking of my tears /

it's the gathering / the turkey

the yams / the cornbread 

the champagne glasses clinking / 

the gossip / the glances I'm avoiding / 

the low lights/ the soft caroling music / 

in this neighborhood restaurant /

where everybody knows what they

know / the coupling

the feeling of emptiness /

as I stare at the train that wraps around the base 

of the Christmas tree / reminds me

of how long I waited at Grand Central Station /

to find out how much you loved me

Gifts

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

the old wood smelling floor in the study

ribbon, tape, and wrapping paper

early morning lights the room

gifts wrapped in secrecy

with hands that decorate anticipating

the gift-giving season

gifts for my Loves

my four paw companion

my friends

and my 

only 

one