VISIT FROM MY PARENTS CHRISTMAS 2023
now I am expected to make things happen for others
ensure the kid gets memories like I have of my granddad
throwing wadded up wrapping paper at my temple
interrupting me reading the back description of NBA Live 97
Americana-ass image of a five-year-old descending stairs in pajamas
but it’s the first year we have stairs
my parents can still do hikes & bike rides can still run with the kid
but this year Mom’s given me the cheesebread recipe
even though I am not a baker I am a cook
is that a masculine stereotype? not baking?
roasting duck & simmering greens bag of black eyed peas
has to wait a week no snow on the day of & our fireplace is electric
& I don’t want them to think
they can’t drink wine around me
I want them cozy & losing at Parcheesi & laid back
on Christmas I owe it to them I owe it
to them & they don’t have to worry about me
I’m writing poetry
Chris Corlew is a writer and musician living in Chicago. His work has appeared in Cotton Xenomorph, Whisk(e)y Tit, The Rumen, Moist Poetry Journal, Cracked.com, and elsewhere. He can be found blogging at shipwreckedsailor.substack.com or on Bluesky @thecorlew.