Relative Yuletide

      The workshopped villanelle for Dr. Mackie's Poetry Writing course. Most of the discussion that followed was trading stories of Christmas traditions, but most people enjoyed this poem.

Gather ‘round the Christmas tree

while we swap stories and sing carols;

it’s life as we celebrate the Nativity.

It could be the season, or maybe just Kerri,

but holiday fun is arguing with Sheryl

as we gather ‘round the Christmas tree.

Baking pies and those famous Mueller Cookies,

Tim’s feeding that barn kitten – (probably feral?)

It’s life as we celebrate the Nativity

Grandma clipping coupons with Hailey,

catclaws putting ornaments in peril

As we gather ‘round the Christmas tree.

While the rest of us watch Jimmy Stewart on TV

the boys hang out at the burn barrel;

It’s life as we celebrate the Nativity.

Matt updates us on his master’s degree,

“…Don we now our gay apparel…”

Gather ‘round the Christmas tree

as we celebrate the Nativity.