Outside the tables were set

Closely together, everyone crammed into the small porch,

screaming stories at each other over the roast pork and traditional dishes.

Salsa music filling the dark night.

Loud, outspoken family members

All having come to celebrate the joyful time

Of Christmas Eve dinner.

But there was one heart that the Christmas cheer hadn’t touched.

In the middle of this joy filled chaos sat a girl,

Her eyes gave away the conflicting emotions that were flooding

Through her like a typhoon destroying her from the inside.

Suddenly a flood of water gave way from those eyes

A choice was made. While the chains of duty bound her to her family were strong-

There was an unshakable pull like a compass’ arrow magnetized by the north

Driving her to break free,

To speed away to the park where the person that drove her mad with desire was.

One look at her brother, already knowing who she had chosen-

Shook his head with disapproval, sorrow in his eyes.

Time felt like it was slipping away from her fingers, she had to go to him.

Excusing herself from the table, running to her car, heart pumping,

Birds raging in the cage of her stomach.

At the first sight of his car-

A rush flew threw her like walking under a waterfall of icy water.

In her heart clarity blossomed and she knew she had made the right choice.

That night he took her by the hand,

strolling out under the moonlit trees

He picked her up as if she was weightless,

She looked down at his face radiant with the pale ghostly light of the full moon

And his eyes glistening with white light as if touched by an angel,

So much wonder she saw taking her breath away.

Did he shake with the same waves of desire and emotions?

At last they danced slowly, bodies pressed firmly together

moving in circles and waves

To the rhythm of their love song.

This was their last Christmas in each other’s arms.

Next year he will be torn from her, thrown into an unknown land

Fighting to live another day, fighting for his brothers in arms.

So there the lovers basked in the magical Christmas night,

Not knowing what the future has yet to unfold.

(You Only Write Once Scholarship Slam.)