December 26: On the Feast of Stephen

Though Boxing Day has long-observed traditions,

In my household, we’ve had to make our own:

A day of rest for Christmas-worn musicians

We celebrate by tuning out the phone,

Then making copious puns with cherished friends

And toasting the atrocious ones with glee.

Or being glad when water line descends

When snaking plumbing that’s been clogged with tea.

Whatever rite or ritual we choose

Be it necessity or frivolous,

Enlightening or simply to amuse,

The impetus to do it came from us.

Our guiding principle...