The Bleak Midwinter
Heavy emotions uncover another "blue haiku"
“What’s the matter, hon?”
He always asks, every time.
“It’s all just too much”
I don’t have the words to express what’s wrong.
I am overcome with emotions that roll down my cheeks.
I choke back painful sobs, then stifle a laugh because…what is this?
I’m barely participating in Christmas this year and have worked to minimize holiday stress.
Am I channeling the harried anxiety of others?
Does the empath that is me feel their loneliness and despair?
Does it reflect my own, or am I bearing the weight of generations of psychic scars? Isn't that what holiday traditions are, after all? Doing what we think we should because it's what we've always done?
I thought that I was holding it together pretty well, but this moment reveals me a liar.
I think I need another hot cocoa.
About the Creator
Allison Rice
Finalist 2022 V+ Fiction Awards, Allison Rice is a work in progress! Author of 5 previous Top Story honors including “Immigrants Among Us” "Pandemic ABCs" and a piece about Inclusion, Alli is an avid reader, and always has a story to tell!
Comments (1)
Gosh I feel this. I find society too just puts so much pressure on the holiday season that it’s like an anxiety filled celebration