Doing the holidays below a budget

Oily saliva falls on the boards of the porch

Noisily snapping large jowls in anger

Escalating fear crouches in dark corners

Yearning for someone to come to the rescue

Isn’t that the way it always goes just as

Soon as you think you are doing well

Negative balances at the bank

Tantalize your very last nerves

Even though money is scarce I

Vow to make the holidays joyful

Every single member of my family shall

Receive my ultimate love in the form of

Yams, turkey, ham, pies, and homemade rolls

To tempt taste buds and then we will

Hale the beds, sofas, and floors to

Invite our tired overstuffed bellies to

Nap upon their soft surfaces as I

Glance around the room full of love