From 0 to 42
Was a holiday --
Or at least is what we wished for--
Was a time when family was near
When we believe in Saint Nick
And that he rewarded good behavior
With each rotation of the sun.
Was a time when peace was everywhere
When we were completely unaware
Who the children
On milk cartons were
Or the trials and tribulations
Our foremothers and fathers bore
So this image could exist.
How mama had to cut her hair
Dress like a boy
To avoid
The soldiers
And what they might do
If they knew she was not he
But she.
How papa had to hide away
In the countryside
While his older brothers fought
Heroically
To keep the invaders
Away
Until McCarthy returned.
How Poppy
Had to be raised by aunts and uncles
His father die mysteriously
His mother abandoned by the next loves
To raise 3 children on her own
And die from heartbreak.
How a cross burned
In grand uncle's yard
And Aunt B.
Suffered a mental breakdown
Was never the same
After something happened
That no one talks about.
From 0 to 42
Will be a holiday --
Or at least is what we wish for you --
Will be a time when family is near
When you believe in Saint Nick
And that he will reward your good behavior
With each rotation of the sun.
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Dear Z & O,
I hope your first 42 years will be better than every generation before you.
I hope you know that we tried our best and love you very much more than anything in the universe.
Mom and Dad
January 1, 2023
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#WeAcceptAsh and ETH