Holiday Facade of Gifting

HOLIDAY FACADE OF GIFTING

ART By Arielle Zepeda

Boxes assorted in different proportions Underneath the fallen needles of the dying pine … they’re all mine

I am not ungrateful for this pampering I wish the bottom of the tree appeared bare An empty tree gifts paradise Were these gifts approached with care? I don’t know where to stare.

Gifting occasionally feels nice With it’s wrongful acquisition and pitiful charity Accepting comes with a price My love language is sincerity.

Sit here with me and show me you can feel I beg of you Allow the warmth to pulsate through our veins Plague me with your hidden humanity

Thump thump - thump thump

That noise — disturbed unfamiliarity Vibrations of tenderness I used to know Comfortably uncomfortable Discomfort knows how to soothe this soul.

Awkward is who I can display Yet, there is more I am willing to share Give ourselves this opportunity to be authentic I won’t let this blow air Please, set the materialized items aside And come smile with me on this wonderful night.

Illustration by Arielle Zepeda