Patricia Wellingham-Jones, author of this touching Christmas poem, is a former psychology researcher and editor with a long-time interest in healing writing and the benefits people gain from writing and reading their work together.
First Christmas Again
She bolted from the house,
from turkey gravy she was stirring,
from guests with wine glasses
tilted to their lips,
from her new step-daughter’s family.
In the slight protection of the eaves
she opened her mouth, released
into rain the wail that had built
through an endless round of hosting.
Bent from the waist, she roared out sobs
she’d swallowed all day.
Heedless of her hairdo
she stepped away from shelter
into storm, tipped her head back,
let rain wash down her cheeks
with tears.
Returning through a distant door
she splashed cold water on red, swollen eyes,
dragged a comb through flattened hair,
freshened makeup. Pinning a smile
on still-trembling lips, she rejoined the group
apologizing to nobody,
including her husband
of a few months,
for missing the one
no longer there.
Patricia Wellingham-Jones’s poems, stories and articles are widely published and her chapbook collections include “Don’t Turn Away: Poems About Breast Cancer.” Patricia was Poet’s Corner’s first overseas contributor and she lives in rural northern California.
Readers’ original and unpublished poems up to 30 lines can be emailed, with postal address, to [email protected]. A poetry book will be awarded to each contributor.
