Set’cha coat down ‘n stay for a minute.

I brought flowers, Ma. Kids put the jingle bells in it.
And here’s something else—they won’t let you light this—
But it’s cinnamon-scented. Smells like Christmas.

Ya know I can’t smell nothin’, she chuckle-coughed twice.
Appreciate ya, son. The poinsett’as are real nice.

Sorry it’s not much of a Christmas this year…
We’re all far from home, and you’re stuck in here.

It’s all it’s e’er been and more, ya know.
Plus, the nurses still bring me my hot cocoa.

Come on, Ma. We almost lost you this week.

Well, my figure’s not ‘xactly at its peak.
But today’s still the best day of my life.

You’ve always said that. Now I know it’s a lie.

How’s your work, David? You look tired, son.

The company’s in trouble. We’re under the gun.
But we’re hanging in there. He couldn’t bear to admit
He’d just been deposed…

Come on, what’s got ya split?

He choked a bit. Ma, I’m concerned about you.
I’ve seen the reports from the ICU.

To hell with the numbers. I ain’t twelve-percent human.
I’m alive or I’m dead. What’s the gain in presumin’?

I’m not casting doubt, but you asked how I feel.
The doctors mean well…the statistics are real.
I’m here for you, Ma. Aren’t you somewhat afraid?

All the grass withers. An’ all flowers fade.
You’ll be anxious or depressed try’na protect ‘em.
When you lose ‘em, you’ll go faint try’na resurrect ‘em.
It’s a merciful darkness when ya lose all your light
Ain’t no other time the North Star shines so bright.
We all end up here. There’s no use bein’ fearful.

Okay Ma, I didn’t come here for an earful.
If you’re trying to be strong, you don’t have to be.
I’m a shoulder to lean on…if only you’d let me.

I ain’t try’na be strong, Dave. I’m far too brok’n.
But I don’t need a savior—the position ain’t open.
Are these meds gonna save me? The left or right wing?
Well, the reaper ain’t partisan—neither’s our king.
He came for the brok’n…that’s why it’s good news,
An’ he’s keepin’ a book of the things tha’cha lose.
He’s mercy ‘n justice—he’ll bring ‘em back new.
We’re all to be pitied if scripture ain’t true.

I’m glad there’s some hope, but—

—I ain’t finished yet.
Christ is still human, now don’t ya forget.
He’s with us in flesh, an’ the lower life takes ya,
The sweeter His presence—the freer it makes ya.
It’s true, I ain’t had this much pain since your labor,
But when Christ fills your cup, it spills on your neighbor.
And since you walked in, yer the neighbor I got.
So yer gettin’ yer earful—like it or not.

His face sprung a grin like it did in his youth,
And the loss of his job lost some of its tooth.
Alright, Ma…let’s give your throat a good rest.

Wanna know why today is always the best?
Ya can’t be with Jesus no other day.

The nurse brought in cocoa—two cups on the tray.

© Tanner Rinke 2020