We decide to take a break from the eating, drinking,
and arguing — our traditional holiday pastimes —
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOuR1of6SQKtR5z0ug5NfvA_C80Ct7EUJ7VSMIxAOrUnF11gKxqXr_SWLD9b7c9t9idhGNCDZkCUqebwJaeQTl330hCr56BIuyweu8HAx8oQgzHyDt0_V_0jJlMJIKPYGqQUpg-_vYuo/s200/plaid+wool+blend+scarveswool+plaid+print+scarf+for+girlstassel+plaid+wool+blend+scarves+in+2013+fall-t22408.jpg)
In the hallway, we sort through the piles of coats,
hats, and gloves, pulling out what we think we need,
and when I get to the door my father calls me back
to drape a scarf around my neck. In my forties,
I don’t like scarves anymore than when I was six,
but, now, having kids, I recognize what his fingers
are trying to say as they adjust the wool, and, I hope,
he recognizes what I’m trying to say by not moving.
It’s not much, but since neither of us needs anything
the other can buy, we try to exchange what we can,
a protective touch and a willingness to be touched.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dCXg5hC9rhluQbbDAS-EqHuK2UvEsEYA1HUO01w8pV7B7kZ0hCI_M6BHC7q6KVdHex3R3P9r2szURziIqXFS_FQ6CylznjLc4M8LpZd9C48CpuNpxG8k7f1PO-E_N-L76ENf4F3VGx0/s200/millsone.jpg)
Photography credit: Untitled image by unknown photographer, found at this link (originally color).
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