Most of what I owned had disappeared while I was doing my time. Go figure that. Anyway, I walked to here and met the owner of this place. Seems like some sort of doings going on in town. Everything

and everywhere is packed full. Guess luck finally looked my way, and this guy gives me a temp job cleaning up. I can camp out for free and go to the kitchen back of the hotel to eat. Not too shabby till I get my feet back under me.

 I got done working and took a walk to iron out the aches in my body. Must be carnival time here or something. All kinds of people are walking around, pressing against each other, with plenty of law walking around too, trying to keep the peace. That part I can do without, and I head back to my quiet little nook for some well-deserved shuteye.

CHRISTMAS TIMELESS CHRISTMAS

(Ode to memories never lost)

I’m getting somewhat drowsy; I nestle deeper in my chair

The moment overcomes me, while the window returns my stare

Present slips quite far away as I look through the pane of chance

I step into my Christmas past drawn by cold gray winter’s trance

Grampa’s car pulls up outside as dawn cracks the eastern sky

The two of them have barely room from presents piled so high

Our family shouts with laughter; all our voices crowd the air

The house fills up with sights and smells and love for all to share

A great big hug from grampa; his whiskers scratch my chin

Quick hug and kiss from gramma while she lugs the goodies in

Boxes, bags, and odd-shaped things coming through the door

Piled around the tree until the tree can’t hold no more

Grampa’s special ham with pineapples on the top

Get your fingers out of there Lord your gonna pop

Someone yells it’s snowing; we all run just to stare

I turn back smiling: and I’m sitting in my chair

Two and forty years of memories; each one better than the last

Just from looking through a lone window that contains my Christmas past

Now my heart brims full with gladness from such a fleeting sweet refrain

I sit anticipating what this Christmas memory will contain