The idea of coming home to family has such a universal appeal
The notion of going home for the holidays gives you a nostalgic feel
You book your travel with eager anticipation
You pledge for the festivities your participation
You wrap up work during the early part of the week
Some quality time with your precious large family you seek
You pack carefully, you are all set to catch a flight
And that is when things begin to not go right..
*
The weather gods have decided to ruin your plans
With heavy rain and snow, you don’t know if you can
Reach home in time- after harrowing delays
You reach in the nick of time to celebrate the holiday
Exhausted as you are, there is no time to lose
You had offered to help, not doing so is something you cannot choose..
*
The atmosphere in your family is not
As harmonious or joyful as you would have thought
You can smell a distinct undercurrent
Of discord and simmering resentment
You hope once everyone works up an appetite
The prevailing dark mood would turn a shade more light
But that does not happen, in fact there is a frosty silence
As guests take their place at the table and commence
To eat- you are bewildered and out of desperation
You venture to tell a joke to salvage the situation
But someone’s spouse is quick to take offense
And from there begins a battle of emotions intense…
*
By the end of the meal all anger is spent
You are depleted, your only intent
Is to avoid any confrontation for the next day or so
After which all guests would be ready to go
Back to their lives, regretting the trip home for the holidays
That has brought nothing but misery in multiple ways..
*
You resolve not to travel for the holidays next year
Another round of inclement weather, flight delays and family drama you fear…
Passion...unbridled 