Thinking now of Christmases past
Laying out the wreaths and trim
Caressing each fragile ornament
Recalling stories related to them
Looking at the few ones left
From the fifty-eight holidays
Thinking how worn they have become
As the Christmas music plays
Construction paper chains and bells
Our boys made when they were young
And special ones with names engraved
Every ornament lovingly hung
Some that were burned and shattered
The winter our house caught fire
Searching through the snow and rubble
Saving a precious few from the mire
The angel with her snow white dress
And outstretched silver-tipped wings
The nativity scene bought so long ago
The Christ child, Mary and the kings
Forlorn and sentimental this time of year
Sweet memories flood through my mind
Of things I've had and things I've lost
And a sense of being left behind
But when I sit alone by the fireplace
And the season feels so depressing
I see the tree decorated with our past
And my heart feels a Christmas blessing
Kathleen McCoy Eldridge©
November 5, 2006
All Rights Reserved
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