The Holidays Are Here

The holidays are here.
The bad, the good, the comfort, the discomfort,
the sleepiness, happiness, and madness behind each glance and laughter are here.

The holidays are here.
The season is greeting us.
The lights on the streets and the homes, big or small, modern or old, all glow the same.
The spirit of good feelings is in the air.

The holidays are here;
the time of excitement mixed with anxiousness:
the work that should be done,
the shopping that has to be completed, 
the dresses must be pressed,
the home should be cleaned,
the gourmet meals and savouries to be cooked, boiled and baked are here.

The holidays are here.
My two sons and happy pets surround me; the incredible feeling of generosity swirls in the air.
Yet, why is my heart flying momentarily above the darkness and troubles of the broken cities?

Shahla Latifi
December, 2023