It is Rejection’s Ire which crouches beneath during the holidays;
it is long lived and memory-filled and surfaces so easily,
belying my belief that it’s negativities had long since died;
unknowing it rushes back to me at odd times
especially during those days of stress the holidays bring;
but I veteran that I now am
caught it creeping through
confronted it
boxed its ears
sending it back to it’s ugly hovel--
not to ruin this year--
this Season’s Cheer
and I, and my mind,
took

Silent Solace
renewing the Season’s Joy
which is to be
now and tomorrow,

Rejection Free--

of self and others--
allowing space all around
instead to be filled
with Forgiving-
Love’s Herald
and Predecessor:
and for Truth
this my Silent Secret Salvation.

My ringing toast, thus, this year
will sound for itself much louder
for having drowned out
the clanging clatter
of Rejection's Cruel Ire.

And I shall be at my best
for all of it.