Holiday Celebration

By Andrew R. Duckworth

I celebrate by taking in air,
A deep breath- a sigh of relief,
Living to see another day,
Living to see family.

I celebrate by thinking of future
Days- the day after- thinking the
Warm feeling might yet last
And carry me on.

I celebrate by reflecting on past
Holidays where the dinner table
Seats were full, family home,
And memories made.

Yet, I mourn quietly at the sight
Of an empty chair, one that can
Never be filled again-
The absence crushing.