Christmas Day

Jim White

Where in the world did you come from my dear? 
Did some mysterious voice tell you I'd still be here? 
I bought this ticket to Mobile, but I been stranded all day
P.a. said the bus broke down ten miles away from the station.

So seldom a door, so seldom a key, so seldom a hit like the hurt you put on me. 
But seldom comes happiness without the pain of the devil in the details 
Since I saw the smile on your face 
As I was crying in a Greyhound station on Christmas Day, in 1998. 

The burden of love is the fuel of bad grammar. 
You stutter and stammer--what a bitch to convey the crux of the matter, 
When the words you must utter are hopelessly tangled 
In the memories and scars you show no one. 

So seldom...

I remember quite clearly, a bad Muzak version of James Taylor's big hit, 
Called "Fire and Rain" was playing as you crouched down and tearfully kissed me, 
And I thought, "Damn, what good fiction I will mold from this terrible pain." 

So seldom...

Amazing grace, how sweet the smile upon the face I never thought I'd see you again
Especially here in this Greyhound station
On Christmas Day
In 1998.