Christmas Alone Poem by Colin Ian Jeffery

When a child
Christmas was joyous
Merrily enhancing heart,
Memories, smiles and laughter
Paper hats, pulling crackers
Golden times with parents and brother.

When a child late on Christmas Eve
Close to midnight hour
Father came creeping silent as a mouse
Into bedroom I shared with brother
Filling our pillowcases with toys
While we pretended sleep.
.
Christmas dinner at laden table
Turkey crisp and golden
Leg each for my brother and me.
Sage stuffing, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts,
Christmas pudding with brandy sauce
With three-penny pieces for luck.

Now, alone and frail, in stooping old age
Parents, brother long gone
Eating alone on Christmas day
Thinking of other Christmases
As a child seated at laden table
Sharing my family's joy and laughter.