Lou Pugliese’s most recent poem to appear here was Cud (April 2013).

Last Christmas
By Lou Pugliese

When I was an angry young man I too was that guy
The one who must be always right
Proving others wrong

I didn’t know the hurt I caused
People who loved me thought we were going to just enjoy this time together
But my ambush was always waiting to emerge
Like Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown

I heard the definition of violence was imposing your will on another
Every simple exchange guarded, judgmental, loud
How does that happen, I thought we were friends

I wish I could make amends
To those who just wanted to have a conversation with a friend
Shouldn’t the relationship be worth more than the challenge?
My will, my wit, my insecurity had to win

I know a man today that has my old affliction
I love him and respect him and just want to have a conversation with a friend
Doesn’t he realize this is my last Christmas?