Again paper stands ready 
To absorb my hurt 
and pain. 
Paper so flexible  
and healing 
Paper like long ears 
wanting to listen  
and then wrap around me 
in a long extended hug. 
Christmas is a fly catcher 
of ugly memories 
of people doing and saying  
things I wish they had not 
That I wish had been different 
So now I can paint 
new scenes - fresh scenes  
with fresh paints and  
bright colors. 
Christmas is for me  
a time I can coil 
back down into my own shell. 
The walls of the shell 
Soundproofing unwanted words. 
My very own golden silence 
to absorb and enjoy.