Advent

In preparation of the coming dark

and the rising star

and the industry and commerce that surrounds us

with ribbon and receipt

I hereby declare

This December

To be one of mercy and light

Where all persons herein

That may be found curled around a wine glass

Or Kleenex or cheeseball

Or standing alone under an empty sky

May know with official proclamation that

They are well remembered and that

We all stand with you, now or once or soon

While snow falls inside you

And skaters spin without you

And winter comes again.

 

And while you are of course invited to walk among the carolers

Or have some figgy pudding

You are hereby released

From all your spanx and circumstance

From clenching smile and skinny-girl cheer

And may come as you are with a tear streaked face

Without a spangled sweater

Or a hostess gift

And may choose not to sing or to

Stay where you are

Without a story to bring to grandmother’s house

For let it be said that all who enter

This holy month

With or without a prayer or a hope

Will be greeted with comfort

And joy will meet you in your own sacred time

To place you back in the cradle

Of the world.