Christmas Memories

How do I

Explain this

To you?

As long as

I can remember

Being among crowds

Has left me

Drained

On all levels..

Even

A safe place

Like my oma

And opa's place.

Especially

During the holidays

As the entire family

Gathers.

Placing fifty people

Jammed

Cheek to jowl

Together.

Leaving no space

To hide

Or to rest.

In my teenage years

I couldn't explain

My need or feelings

As I tried to avoid

These gatherings.

Triggering

Huge violent arguments

With my dad.

Which I

Always lost.

As punishment

Dad spanked me

Barehanded.

Calling me

A selfish

Spoiled rotten

Brat.

Before packing everyone

And the gifts

Into the car

For the long drive

To Dunneville.

Author's Note

Written December 21, 2014.