• I sat at the table
    My head in my hands
    Holding that Christmas label
    And fourteen rubber bands

    A present for Georgia
    And Glinda and Ben
    How does one wrap euphoria
    And amusement and zen?

    I looked around the room
    Searching for ideas
    I strode over to a broom
    And a can of dried peas

    A present for Johnny
    And Masha and Jan
    How does one wrap cacophany
    Or the smell of a fresh cake in a pan?

    I stare at the wall
    Hoping for a sign
    I see only dolls
    And present-- but it's mine

    So I sit at the table
    My head in my hands
    Holding that Christmas label
    And fourteen rubber bands

    Christmas shopping takes time--
    And lots of hands