chewed lips
broken fingernails
dead ends dyed purple
escaping glitter
ripped Christmas sweaters
strawberry crepes
dog eared pages
blue nail polish
reused bags
dampened floors
loft-house cookies
over-baked pie
scarred limbs
screaming voices
unopened presents
bones cold and aching
whimpering dogs
blinds drawn tight and shut
sleepless nights
smoking candles
dreamless lives
welcome
it\'s Christmas Eve