I missed a week of advent

I missed a week of advent

as if it disappeared

or maybe never happened

I was in another place

with decorations and

carols all around

and greetings of cheer

from nice, new people

friendly, but unfamiliar

I sat in hotels, meetings and planes

that little convinced my heart or

soul of the soon coming day

I have returned home  

bearing an unseen weight

of responsibilities and

expectations with slight chance

I’ll catch up

or be caught up

advent, again

only a fool

would retell a story

that resists a change

that the world adores

only a fool

would think life

might breath anew

on a dreary, winter morning

only a fool

would reach

for faith and hope

again and again and again