"Unopened"

(Composed on the crisp
afternoon of January 28, 2009).

A Christmas card was returned to me today.
"Return to Sender," it read
Like the Elvis song I've heard,
Only not nearly so cheerful.

It was stamped and sent back,
Yet the little holly sticker still remains
Clinging to the sealed envelope flap.
Another friend I've somehow lost
Over the many years--
We were best friends once--
Moved without a change of address.
I suppose we rarely sent letters.

From Facebook I know
She is getting married soon,
But it is profoundly sad that
I know her current status,
Yet I do not know where she lays her head,
Where she cooks her meals,
Or laughs with her new friends.
Too late to resend it now, I suppose.

The Christmas joy I wished to give--
Perhaps a mere formality to send--
Now like an undesirable present
Is returned to me
Six weeks later and unopened.

With a sigh, I toss it
In the kitchen trash can,
Soon to be covered in
Moldy tomato sauce
And sour milk.