From our little First Christmas Together tree

a long drive

to the big parental tree with the colored glass beads

and the farm table with the red tablecloth

and the bright fireplace and the warm hugs

Needed a pit stop

the only place open was a bar

As we entered

a half dozen drab men and women turned from the counter

our surprise undisguised

They stared back vacantly but steadily

daring us to pity them

Embarrassed we quickly used the restrooms and

drove on to our cheerful destination

feeling sad and blessed and a little smug

But now life has done its damage

Alone

I haven’t done Christmas in years

So I settle onto my barstool

and wait to stare down the innocents