on christmas eve
there’s no cause for celebration
when the old man dies
it was his turn the young woman
tries to explain to her child
it’s a surprise there is any celebration
this year let alone any year
outside there is strange activity
as if the infantry
is parachuting over rooftops
flashlights in tow
down below in musty cellars
ordinary citizens
are locking & loading
praying the outside forces
have come in peace
december two thousand twenty-three
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved
jdubqca 
This has been the scene for many, its heart breaking! Nicely described ❤
Thank you!