Christmas Dawn

Tomorrow, they will go to the house of God.
Tonight, the moon will illuminate the Christmas tree outside.
Grandchildren, both big and small, 
daughters and sons-in-law are busy singing Christmas carols in the sunroom.
The great room is filled with cups of laughter and joy.
A large turkey, plates of roasted vegetables, homemade bread rolls, pecan pie, and various fresh fruit plates are on the table.
They feel in their hearts that "life is good."

A few steps away, in front of the magnificent Christmas tree, 
a white-haired couple sits alone in a dimly lit room.
The small tree in the corner of the hallway is unlit.
There is no fresh food on the table.
No empty beer, soda, or fresh tea bottles are scattered on the floor.

At Christmas dawn, 
everyone meets in the house of God.
Suddenly 
all the joy, sorrow, loneliness, togetherness, emptiness, fullness, lies, and truths melt away in the decorated sacred room.

Shahla Latifi
December 2024