As I heard tell when she was asked
My stepmother would like to ignore Christmas
Though it’s been decided to ignore her wish
I like that she put it out there
Especially this year of the pandemic
Doing away with all the socializing
That would keep everyone safe
What a priceless gift to give
She offers her thoughts
From the other side of ninety
When many wish to ignore birthdays
So why not this problematic holiday
As I heard a mother behind me
When walking ahead in the park
Admonishing her child to watch out
Because Santa knows if you’re good
And then after a pause she added
And Jesus is watching you, too
As if to correct a sacrilegious thought
As I laughed to myself at the mythology
Wouldn’t it be something if every child
Realizing neither Santa nor Jesus is real
Would choose to mark the winter solstice
With greenery and bright lights
It’s almost impossible to ignore Christmas
Celebrated with jingling cash registers
In your face and ears with movies and songs
Invoking memories and hopes
This December will bring suffering and death
Cruel reality cutting against the virgin birth story
Unless we find a way to hibernate
Keeping to our separate selves
