The Journey Inward

It was a great weekend,
So special and sweet,
Spent with my family,
In Washington, DC.

The best choice I made,
Was to ride on the train,
I read a whole book,
The free time felt insane!

Met at the station,
By my older brother,
We went out to shop,
Just like my mother!

Gifts for his grandkids,
I bought sweet little clothes,
Dinosaur stuffies,
And socks with rainbows.

Then on to my sister's,
To eat and to watch,
The Army-Navy game,
Their friends brought dip with guac!

The event the next day,
Is our new tradition,
A white elephant game,
With fun competition.

Choose a package you want,
And open it up,
But be on your guard,
For the certain mix up!

A larger number,
Is able to steal,
Any gift that they liked,
And held strong appeal.

But when the round's over,
The game's just begun,
It's highest to lowest,
Ending with number one!

There's laughter and jeering,
And many a groan,
As we jockey for gifts,
To bring with us back home.

On the train heading home,
I felt warm and complete,
Siblings and nephews,
Children and nieces.

My family gathers,
And remembers the one,
Who hosted this holiday,
And made it homespun.

My mom loved each Christmas,
And her family 'round,
I hope she could see us,
And the love all around.

Photo:  Union Station, Washington, DC.  12.15.24 by LA