Colin Ian Jeffery (20th May 1942 / Caterham)

When I was a child
Christmas was such a loving joy
Sweetly enhancing the soul
With memories of smiles and laughter
Wearing paper hats and pulling crackers
Golden times with my parents and brother.

Late on Christmas Eve
Close to the midnight hour
My father crept silent as a mouse
Into the bedroom I shared with my brother
To fill our pillowcases with toys
While we pretended to be asleep.

At noon, we all sat around a laden table
With turkey crisp and golden
Ready to be carved; the legs for my brother and me.
Sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts Then the luscious rounded Christmas pudding
With hidden three-penny pieces to bring us luck.

Now, alone and frail in white-haired old age
With parents and brother long gone
I eat alone and watch the Queen on TV
Then doze awhile to dream of other Christmases
When I was a child sitting at a laden table
Hearing my family's laughter sharing in their joy.