Christmas Poem
originally published in Gems Zine
Christmas Poem
we drive up the mountain
to a white Christmas
summer rain fogs the windshield
& I’m reminded of why I hate
Dad’s reckless driving.
winding road slippery
with motion sickness
I listen to Phoebe Bridgers’
entire discography
again. at the summit
mist tinsels slick gumtrees
smoke rises from solitary cottages
I try to catch my reflection
in their windows
at the summit
fog obscures the river
I listen to Joni Mitchell
instead of the waterfall
& I’m reminded of the poolside
susurration that lulls me
to sleep even now. I listen
to The Smiths & wonder
how long til Dad gives up
dyeing his hair. wonder
what hides among
mountain folds. among
shadows blooming
between swaying eucalypts
a little red bird
the only festivity
decorating slouching trees.
I’m wearing
a black T-shirt
and a smile
for camouflage.
About the Creator
Svetlana Sterlin
Svetlana Sterlin is the author of Helen Anne Bell Poetry Bequest Award winning poetry collection, If Movement Was a Language (Vagabond Press). She lives in Brisbane, Australia.
https://linktr.ee/svetlanasterlin
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Comments (1)
This was very poignant. Loved your poem!