~Happy~ Holidays

Three Gifts—One Recipient

Photo by R. G on Unsplash

I wrote this poem for Bear Sage’s Poetry Week 6: The Gift We Give Ourselves.

---

Happy Holidays

Three boxes wait—
all wrapped,
all tagged,
all... mine.

First box—
I know its shape—
I’ve given it
before—
and now it’s my turn
to open it.

In the box:
compassion.

I close my eyes
and smile.

Second box—
I know its size—
I’ve given it
to others—
and now it’s my turn
to get it.

In the box:
forgiveness.

I close my eyes—
and sigh.

Third box—
I know its weight—
I’ve given it
to you—
and now it’s my turn
to feel it.

In the box:
acceptance.

I close my eyes.

Three boxes—
three gifts—
One person
and one tag:
From: Me—
To: Me.

No more boxes.

The ones missing:
one with understanding,
one with presence,
and one with love—
with a tag:
From: you.

Did my gifts never reach you?
Or am I simply not worth
yours?

— Cae Rivas —

Thank you to Bear Sage for inviting me to participate and offering the prompt inspiration.

I also want to share Bear's reflection on the poem—I think he absolutely nailed it:

This poem understands that self-work often comes from necessity, not empowerment. Compassion, forgiveness, acceptance. These are not lofty virtues in this piece. They are survival skills learned because something essential never arrived from the outside.

The repetition of “I know its shape / I know its size / I know its weight” tells us everything. These gifts were learned through giving, not receiving. They were practiced outward until they became the only language available inward.

— Bear Sage

Check out Bear’s Poetry parties to read poetry by dozens of talented writers and his thoughtful reflections.

Enough about me though. Have you been in the position of giving yourself again what you’ve been longing to get from someone else?

Want to read another poem about acceptance and silence?

Not Anymore

Thank you for reading, for your time, and for being you. 😊

---

☕ Support My Work

Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this poem and want to continue supporting my work, why not buy me a coffee?

If coffee is not for you (I get it) then liking, commenting or restacking will also be greatly appreciated.

😊