I Hate Holidays

by Eric Chaet

I hate holidays —
I’ve hated them since I was a boy.
What are we celebrating?
Can’t you see that we’re wrecking what we count on? —
& that a few thrive at everyone else’s expense?

I love how Jesus boldly said what no one else dared —
but I don’t believe he walked on water
or that, when he was executed, he ascended to heaven.

I love him, but I don’t give a damn when he was born —
any more than I care when any of the exemplary people
of the past, or alive now — however rare & great they are —
were born — what they do from then on is what matters.

What I care about is changing humanity’s destiny —
or at least some people’s destiny —
or at least my own.
Let me out of what everyone seems to imagine is my fate.

Every day, even with all the obstacles —
even with great & petty tyrannies from all directions —
& all the dreadful little routines & expectations —
every day is a challenge & glorious opportunity.

The effect I’m trying to have is gradually coming into focus —
the effect that no one but I, apparently,
imagine I might have or be having even now.

I hate being prompted to forget what I woke up,
& resumed intending — to celebrate some holiday.

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