December 14: Up in the Air

Like children with balloons who understand

The ground is deadly in the game they play

And seek to keep aloft with foot or hand

That airy spheroid as long as they may,

I’ve filled my year’s remaining days and nights,

With singing, learning music, and performing,

In hopes that all the caroling and lights

Will keep the clouds of grief from ever forming.

For each experience that gives me joy

Makes melancholy in an equal measure,

Enough to temporarily destroy

The satisfaction one may find in leisure.

Once mor...