This is your reminder that even though this is a joyous time of year, there are still people that are hurting. Take notice of those that may need your love and support a little more.

For those that are hurting- this is your reminder to not become a puppet to your own self.

Puppet

By: Catherine Aaronson

I leave the bustling party

Sneaking into the garden

Clutching

the drink. I follow the leafy path,

No,

There is no going back.

The view steals the breath from my lungs.

I drink in the green air.

I feel the moss-covered stones beneath my feet flatten,

I lazily stroll to the center of the maze.

I find a mannequin propped up against the growing vines.

It moves

when I do.

It speaks

when I do.

It laughs at me

when I do.

It returns my look of disgust.

I am staring in a mirror.

I am the puppet.

We take a swig of the poisoned drink and the mannequin

falls down with me.