christmas in july

my mother would have

her christmas shopping done 

by the end

of july.

wrapped and stuffed into

a closet

went all the gifts, waiting

for the day.

she'd unravel

the strings of lights.

take out the box of ornaments

and set them in her sewing

room.

she was ready for many things.

prepared in advance

for every birthday and holiday,

ready for everything,

everything but the end

of her life.