aurora’s fire
brings day of recovery
from Christmas chaos


aurora’s fire
brings day of recovery
from Christmas chaos


rolled in this meringue:
apples, mascarpone cream,
burnt honey. ’20.

baked in this Roulade:
my student’s home-raised hen eggs
ready to be whipped


folded in this bake:
some precious moments of peace
so hard sought, well earned

masked in this meringue:
a year of bittersweet loss
melted into joy

White Elephant win
with every Bingo chiste
bringing laughter, joy




Dad building raised beds
in the middle of winter
in hope of spring growth

a few bitter words
can mean everything; nothing
with untimely voice
a solstice sunrise
followed by a Christmas star
800 years lit


the lights connect us
we live under the same skies
we live here. on Earth.

finally, a grin
showing nine weeks of fixed teeth
with a shine of pride

ninety-minute drive
to drop off Christmas goodies
my forever friend

they’re all grown up now
even their cookies have grown
in their perfection





he’s no idea
what he’s got himself into
with these crazy girls

cookies are cookies.
we will cut, bake, decorate.
’cause it’s what we do.

arms, metal, ginger:
what is a holiday scent?
molasses. that’s it.

and soft-spun sugar
ready to perfect Christmas
with gingerbread sweets.
