Exchanging Gifts Like This Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

So much to everyone,
This year alone...
To have come not to anticipate,
The many who are left to experience...
Heartache not to wish it.
When making their New Year's resolutions.
Long before,
The year 2021 approached to witness done.

Yet...
In the midst of holidays,
We must celebrate them...
With more faith to pray.
That are ways believed to remain unchanged.
Knowing that 'normalcy' wished,
Returns back to live it as it was.
Has many of us now awakening to realize,
There is much to be thankful for.
Than knocking on doors.
Expecting tricks or treats.
A Thanksgiving meal to eat.
Or gifts to exchange on Christmas Day.
Without it to acknowledge,
How fragile life is to be blessed to get.

And...
With ease to take for granted,
The undoing of this blessing.
Done to insist,
There is more fulfillment that satisfies,
The unwrapping that justifies...
Wishes to implement,
Conflicts, division, and racist hatred.
To spread as if enjoyed.
By the ones who seem incapable...
Of exchanging gifts like this to get.
Just to shock and surprise...
Unexpecting receivers.