hu
mbug
 
we  run
past neighbors
chasing wayfaring cats
relieving displays of light
overturning trash receptacles
deflating Santa and his reindeer
alone at the table
mom rips open envelope
after envelope demanding
immediate payment for health
coveragelatefeesoverdraftscellphones
will there be no presents for loved ones
dad’s RC planes skim
oil prospects with the potential
 to cover bills and pollute ground water
perhaps it would be better to remain unemployed
yet without fuel how will children return home for the holidays
in  the  end
we all wind
up in cages
 
but oh!
 
a friends turns
to join us on the path

— Barbara Steinhauser