The Holiday Exchange

how long until they notice
i’ve escaped up-up-stairs
curled into a purple corner
with my dragons

i’ve always been the odd cousin
wishing telescopes and trilogies
instead of balls and barbies
for my holiday exchange

as soon as i saw book three
emerge from between the torn sheets
i designed my departure
from the chaotic carousal

why would anyone want
the press of people
when one can curl up alone
with their dragons