by Kelly

in bed in the dark

we stare at the ceiling and

whisper future plans

by Alison

he draws the curtains

and lights up the bedroom with

December moonlight

by Kelly

All our Christmas cards,

I realize, come from my friends–

not his tradition.

by Alison

preparing my toes

for yoga class once again -

bright shiny purple

by Kelly

Driving sixty-five

I notice snow-covered pines

and think: How Lovely.

by Alison

Oh, how much he’s grown!

I gaze at my husband as

he stares at the road.

by Kelly

An act of goodwill –

my Buddhist husband attends

Christmas Eve service.

by Alison

in between tantrums

she spots Santa waving from

his old compact car

by Kelly

cider vingear

plucks my nose hairs, pinches — ooh!

I’m cooking for hubby.

by Alison

Christmas presents for

friends, parents, sister, uncle -

all are shipped this year