Safe Harbor

12/12/2024

 So odd tonight, the rain abates,
	And a steady wind 
Howls through the rustling 
	Crown of fir and cedar.
Across the sodden landscape,
			Bedazzling lights	
	Herald the coming season,

			That I watch from my ruins,
	Looking westward, always, to the mountains,
		To the Pacific, to the sunset, 
Face chill, slapping, winds 
			Blowing down through the valley
 Like the future, like dread,

	And the future looms
Like an ending.
	And the coming holiday season
		A cold slap of mockery,
			Given what’s to come,

But we persevere for those we love,
		And tomorrow string lights along the shrubbery,
	And hang grandma’s glass ornaments
			On our plasticine, pre-lit, alwaysgreen tree,
		For the grandkids, just as if
			It wasn’t the last Christmas
	That we will know like this one,
				Like all the ones that came before,

And we’ll pass around presents
	And best wishes as always, 
		Delight in the children 
	As they open their gifts, listen to Handel,
				Lift a glass,
			And wish our loved ones, 
And all under threat,
		That they find safe harbor 
From whatever will come,
	Safe harbor.