There’s always been a wrapped
gift under my Christmas tree,
scent of a stranger’s hand
beneath bow tied by anchor fingers
Fear and monogamy prevent their opening
Ivy hogmanany creeping up new year staircase,
anniversaries of silent shotguns?
It could be wedding ring soaked in mountain dew
or weltschmerz words unspoken on my lips
or when…..or how…..or if
Stood beside Christmas
in sultry snow of summer,
tinsel falling from trees
santa dreaming of reindeer, my dear
I remember December
with ice within my heart.
I will open the new gift
as a pirate desperate to leave harbour
hoping it is from you







