The Rose

It’s Christmas again, and I’m stuck at home.

My money is spent. Life’s nothing but show.

Basically, I’m just scrolling through Chrome.

…

Coronavirus means I can’t go to Rome,

but I still pop some wine, wrapped in a bow.

It’s Christmas again, and I’m stuck at home.

…

The tree sparkles by the couch where I mome

through social media, underneath my throw.

Basically, I’m just scrolling through Chrome.

…

Quarentined, in sweats, I look like a gnome.

Dialing another glass, I let mom know:

it’s Christmas again, and I’m stuck at home.

…

On BibleGateway, I read an old tome,

as service live-streams in my Android’s glow.

Basically, I’m just scrolling through Chrome.

…

Yuletide church bells ring in some far-off dome,

while outside my window falls a bright snow.

It’s Christmas again, and I’m stuck at home.

Basically, I’m just scrolling through Chrome.

…

“The solitude gets to me these days. I often feel depressed. These holidays, instead of making me happy, make me sad. I hate them. Most of the family has died. I am one of the last ones left. I will spend Christmas at home alone because I don’t have anyone to spend it with.”

— Álvaro Puig, Spanish butcher, who spent Christmas home alone, according to The Associated Press

This villanelle is copyright 2020/2021 by Jessica McLean. File sharing is encouraged.