Children and the Holidays

Lie to the child,

with meek and mild

fantasies,

distractions,

to focus on the toys

behind glass walls

to ignore the girls and boys

standing small,

clothed in dirt,

painted with hurt,

grasping for the lights

on the tree,

behind the pane.

To ignore the women

working through the holidays

with no days

to celebrate with a family,

that they don't have.

Feed the child

with images of a jolly man

so maybe they won't understand

why Daddy comes in painted with whiskey

and smoke eyes.

Cover the child

with carols and christmas specials

so maybe they will be fooled

and won't hear mommy scream

and daddy breaking down doors.

Brainwash the child

with these traditions

for generations.

Children mirror their parents,

especially with Christmas memories