Francis Family Christmas

Greetings at the front door sound a welcoming creak.

Wind scents taste like warm cider.

Pops and crackles of the brilliant fire in the distance

Drift past our ears, as the

Usual "How have you been" crosses the room.


Wild Dressing tastes like sisters slaving over a stove,

White Zinfandel like Mother's plainness.

Aged brothers and sisters share humdrum chatter

Juices drip from the kids' table.


Crowding around the artificial tree,

Anticipation lights the children's eyes and

Adults know their predestined gift.

Uncle David, Uncle Chuck, and Uncle Darrel

Satisfied with their fresh socks, ties, and blankets.


The last crackle resonates while we

Savor the definitive sip of steaming chocolate.

Opening the door we acknowledge the familiar scrape

That gathers us together ever Christmas.