My son opened Christmas presents the morning after the three of us returned from a seven-day cruise.

We slept. I listened to music. Was overcome with gratitude while hearing “The Night Me and Your Mama Met” by Childish Gambino. Then sat to write these words…

I cried on Christmas

Had nothing to do with sadness

Tide of this sea ascending.

Spirit of existence

Mutual acceptance

Waves as natural

       as blossomed from beneath.

Afternoon slumber

Lights of December

Port is on the horizon.

Time passes then forgets

Except what’s destined to persist

The night me and your mama met.