christmas cards

Chapter 01: great uncle bobby
Chapter 02: beth and george
Chapter 03: jim and jane
Chapter 04: james and robert
Chapter 05: the g
Chapter 06: gay maureen my boss
Chapter 07: jack
Chapter 08: bing
Chapter 09: jenny bear

swear i'm not antisocial; words just love to escape me
even though i always look like i'm looking for safety

but trust me when i say, you've given me that
there's no better sight than your flat irish hat

promise i'll miss you, through this longer break
all night in the backseat would...keep me awake

may your holidays be filled with warmth and cheer
may you ever be - happy to be here

for most, the holidays are when you're home more than ever
but i'll bid you a good one, as we rest from our endeavors

we never stop working - of course, i know it to be true
a different brand of entertaining is what i wish for you

i haven't bought gifts, but i've been told that i bring them
hardly needing to hear the notes to know how to sing them

so i thank you for bringing your music to me
in the new year, another season...we'll see

i know i haven't seen you very much lately
and our time to talk always escapes me

but a holiday reset brings a new chance
until then, i send my love in advance

a delightful sprawl greets me, outside the secret garden
i'm content not to enter, to arrive here and wait
i'm glad to be a part of making your world just a touch lighter
(even if i ended up almost making us your usual late)

now better do i know one of our dearest friends
and the history of such a serendipitous place
embarrassment must just be part of the package
may returning home grant you rest, this day

i won't make this long-winded (i know you love it when i do)
i will simply say what i always mean to be true

your generosity is powerful at all times of the year
thanks for rescuing me into this world held so dear

though our time of intersection may be, mostly, gone
my gratitude for you will always live on

in a time when i hadn't the courage to dream
you gave me a glimmer of hope yet unseen

you supported me into a stronger self
you showed me, yes, there is someone else

it's not thanksgiving; that time has passed
but this christmas i remember a gift meant to last

every time i think i'm not all that, each fearful vision of my ego getting fat

you show me that i'm not the only one ever to think i've got it going
you tell me what you really think, and i know that you're not snowing

i treasure each hour spent with you, scattered as they are, far between
i'm so happy to have a friend in you, even if i've missed your holiday scene

let me know when next you can use me - i'll be there! just introduce me

there's not and never so very much new to say - i know you'll celebrate any day
i know a lucky mooncake is never promised - i didn't mean to waste it, honest!

the holiday season is for bundling up and gritting your teeth against impending snow
but you know what i wish? for all the best warmth, i wish i could take you everywhere i go

i'm honestly not sure how it came about, and i hope it's not too hasty to declare just yet
but it seems the routine is already set - i'm not sure how we'd go about changing it now

i detached myself, and steer clear of a hug
why is that, do you think? i'm not so smug

(you would love it, we think. you could and should. it'd be alright. it'd be good.)

you offer your hand, and i feel it must be ironic
then it alights on my shoulder - i'm sure it must be demonic

i know we'll get there eventually, and understand each other's enthusiasm
but for now, i wish you christmas, and my warmest wishes until we embrace again