That Day

For Christmas, let us put aside grudges,

gripes, and obsession—or piquant outrage

at this or that bauble blinking in eye.

Fellowship breathes at the heart of Christmas

when love is celebrated at church, hearth,

and public venue with handshakes, helloes

echoing beyond now to a future

receptive, open to tomorrow’s light,

possibilities—hopeful achievements

symbolized by wreaths, candles, fervent song.

That shoulder at your right, left, front, behind

is a pillar holding aspirations

common to all Christians on Christmas Day:

We are all reborn to love each other.