This Christmas (Work in Progress)

This Christmas (A work in progress)

This year,
The only tree we’ll assemble
Will be the one comprised
Of flesh, bone,
And shared DNA.

The only bark

Will be formed of laughter

(Although, there may be the chocolate kind,

too.)

 

And I wonder

What it’s like —

To see the love of 40 years,

The fruit of 40 years,

Gathered together once more.

 

Not just their fruit, but

Also

The fruit of their fruit.

For their fruit fell far from the tree indeed,

Taking flight on the winds of change

And desire for more.

Finding solace in youthful hopes and dreams,

Sinking roots in unknown orchards.
Then, oh then,
They were grafted into new trees.
Produced new fruit.
And there was wonder —
And mystery.

 

“Oh, fruit of my fruit,
Will you relate to me
In my far away orchard?
I see pieces of me in you.
Will you come to see them too?

“You, oh fruit of my fruit,
Flesh of my flesh,

Bone of my bone,

And wonder,
I have so much to tell you,
To teach you.

Will you see me as I see you?
With wonder?

So much wonder.”

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As noted in the title, this is a work in progress. I wrote it in the wee sma’s and, after reading it to Nathan this morning, decided to release it here in the hopes that someone would have mercy on me and report in with some feedback. That someone is you, Dear Reader. Please fill me in. Does the imagery ring true? Does it evoke an emotion (other than disgust at free-style poetry?) Do you have an idea for an alternate title? (I’ve never really been good at those…) Thanks, in advance, for your time and your feedback!