the big family

the big family myth
is that you

all love each other and can't wait
to be gathered
together

in a small room
to celebrate some holiday
or event.

not true.
i've stared holes into the clock
waiting

for such ordeals to end.
in laws,
out laws

siblings, crazy friends.
with a plate

on my lap,
dogs running wild.
the blare

of the tv
the voices talking loud.

grudges and misunderstandings
have a shelf life

of a thousand years.
is there a window

i can jump out of?
is there a back door i can
quietly slip away through?

only 364 days
until next christmas.