by Olivia J.
the doorbell rings with joy
rushing to open it
and on the other side awaits a friendly face
letting her in
she takes her spot at the table
it’s piled high
with aromatic food and delectable dishes
shortly after,
the doorbell rings once again
this time with even more people
behind the door
we welcome them in with glad greetings
and they take their spots at the table
laughing, singing, joking
giving thanks and chatting
love illuminating from the center of the table,
everyone satisfied with what they have
and no one wishes for anything else
until it’s my turn to make a toast
looking around at the table,
it’s suddenly only me this year
no one else here
for a little bit of holiday cheer
i put a little more food on my plate
and eat in silence,
struggling to be thankful on this lonely day,
struggling to be free from want
as i open my computer screen,
i see all the faces who should be here with me