Slowing Down

I wonder if this year

When we’ve already been

Isolated with or without family for months

If the addiction, abuse, and violence

That usually erupt

From the pressure of the holidays

Will be less?

Maybe there will be a small space

Away from the greed.

Maybe the ubiquitous confusion

Will make us less impatient in lines.

Maybe the masked mouths outside

Will help us smile inside a little more.

Maybe the stillness of the winter

And the twinkling of colorful lights

Will last a little bit longer.

It’s easier to come to a full stop

When you are already slowing down.

A pause.

A sweet space.

Some time to just be.

Then,

Welcoming a new year

With joy and relief.