The lights on the tree
give the room a slight
red hue.
Today feels like any other day,
but something shimmers
around its edges.
I know the right phrases to say
as I thank the pharmacy employee
and nod to the other customers in line.
I hum along to the holiday tunes
but dance home listening to
a silly playlist of mine.
I wish I could fold today and tomorrow
into a little origami crane
to perch on my dresser.
I could choose to unfold it
at any time,
maybe years from now,
and reflect on my first year alone.
Maybe next year will be different,
and I’ll have someone to laugh with
under the red glow of the tree.
Maybe next year will be different,
and I’ll be just as alone,
laughing by myself.
So It Goes 