Different order

With our daughter having the full week before Christmas off, we changed things up and visited the Florida relatives before Christmas this year.  Returning home today, the excitement level on the plane was palpable.  This year we learned new things about the Florida folk, precisely (I think) because we entered their life at a different point.  Things were not as orchestrated.  They felt more real.  Us?  Them?  Who knows exactly?  Best of all, we still have Christmas to come.

The flight was filled

With small excited voices.

As we headed home,

They set out North

To find snow,

Christmas cookies,

Probably a grandparent

Or two.

Any snow we had before we left

Is now days gone.

Still…

Tomorrow is the tree,

Lessons and carols while we wrap.

A different order to things this year

From last.

Florida, then Christmas.

We return home as others leave.

The cat answers the door;

He does not remember

Another order.

Here are still warm laps

To fill,

A food dish,

A new toy.