The Generous Uncle

The generous uncle emerges from a short distance.
He comes bearing gifts.

In his previous role, as a father, his generosity and fatherhood had run out.

We have theories about the generous uncle.
But they are shrouded in anger and grief.

The gifts are not unwelcome.
But they are strange.
A wanting replacement for the consistency of the past.

The generous uncle is not unwelcome.
But he is strange.

And we sit at the table.
Coming and going.
Pretending and not pretending.

The generous uncle is always pretending.
Hiding from his responsibilities.
Hoping his new generosity is enough.