There was pumpernickel, pumpkin, ginger, and rye Two types of bread and at least three kinds of pie Raspberry-rhubarb and lemon mirangue too A candle for one at a table for two
The screen cast aglow with five friendly faces A portal into his friends' disp'rate spaces They laughed and they cried and they sang along well Off-key renditions of "Noel, Noel!"
The evening ran late, and the timer expired Less than a minute left on the wire They each took turns to say their own part: "I love you", "You too" - the meeting went dark.
He closed the shell of that critical screen And cast his eyes on his walls clad in green An emptiness sank deep into his heart, Not knowing how long they would all be apart.
He looked out the window on the cold snowy night And saw two strangers hug under streetlight He smiled, and remembered: as long as you live You'll always still be able to give.