the red sweater

she puts
on her red sweater.
the one
with snowflakes
and reindeer.
the holiday sweater.
she decides
to be happy today.
she makes
her cheeks red.
she smiles
in the mirror.
takes three pills
then
gulps down
some water.
she stiffens her
back
and shakes her hair.
time to put that
turkey
in the oven.
but first open
the wine,
a starter glass
before anyone gets
here.