He walks
their balky dog
through rain to a phone cell
to check how she spends Christmas Day.
Alone.

No crowd,
just her, her phone.
No spouse, no child’s delight.
No prize. No party feast for four.
Alone.

He talks,
half soaked, alert,
the phone cell light with love.
Wet rubber boots, dog left outside
alone.

At home
his wife puts kids
to bed, and says, ‘sleep tight’
and goes upstairs to take a call
alone.