Photo by Eugene Zhyvchik on Unsplash

tiny presents

tiny presents
make themselves known
in wee hours of night
not the gaudy package kind
with bows and glitter
fake happiness wrapped so tight

quiet memories
both comfort and cut
pain is welcome
during the numb holidays

what could have…
what should have…
what DID…
echo in heavy head

all silenced
by a red headed angel
made in the image of mom
too much happiness
to cause pain

little voice
in her southern drawl
whispers in my ear
“it will all be okay”