A Family Christmas Poem by Ernestine Northover

A Family Christmas

Rating: 4.5


Sitting in front of the fire, Auntie Flo's reciting a story,
it's one about her first Christmas as a newly wed,
the same one she broadcasts every year,
but no one is listening.

Uncle Fred, 'out to the world' snores rhythmically
on the sofa.

Mother exhausted, having cooked the lunch,
without help, as usual,
stifles a yawn.

Dad, brow furrowed, is trying to piece together
Eddy's lego set,
whilst Eddy glowers,
after all, it was 'his' present.

Joe, playing with a set of 'disco lights'
is sending flashes of colour across the room,
straight into Grandpa's eyes,
making him feel even more bilious
after having consumed too many chocolates.

Grandma's knitting.
Grandma always knits on Christmas Day,
and every other day, come to that,
probably yet another scarf for what she believes is
still the war effort.

The cat, curled up on her lap, purrs contently,
oblivious of the knitting needles, waving precariously
in front of his sleepy eyes.

Susan is gazing at the TV screen, .
glued, for the umpteenth time to, 'The Sound of Music' movie,
singing every song, word for word,
at the top of her voice.

'Turkey was nice', said Auntie,
'I was given too much', moaned Grandpa, belching loudly.
'Your problem is, you never can refuse a second helping', said Grandma, 'so it's your own fault'.

Mother grins and asks,
'Would anybody like another mince pie? '

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Walterrean Salley 25 November 2016

(A Family Christmas by Ernestine Northover. **Entertaining and fun to read.

4 2 Reply
Stephen Stirk 02 March 2009

I like the way you have put so much into this. It's like a full blown essay of memories, but so succinct. Characters will remember their cameo roles long into the future. I love Christmas, and have written over 50 poems about it. This one is really special. Steve

2 3 Reply
Roseann Shawiak 16 October 2013

Great poem about family memories. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I'm the oldest of eight so family memories are always touching to me. Thank you for sharing yours. RoseAnn

4 1 Reply
Caliban's Dream 28 November 2005

so true, so very true, it scares me already as 'the time of goodwill' approaches my stomach is wary of the coming abuse

1 1 Reply
Lawrence S. Pertillar 28 November 2005

Very nice write, Ernestine.

2 0 Reply
Mahtab Bangalee 26 December 2019

Beautiful Celebration the Christmas day with family members///

1 0 Reply
Mahfooz Ali 28 December 2018

Great Poem.... Thanks for sharing

1 1 Reply
Ummed Ali 16 July 2018

i love familyyyyyyyyyy

2 1 Reply
Nokuthula 23 April 2018

this poem is awesome ever that i have heard

3 2 Reply
Muhammad Murad 12 October 2017

Awesome piece of art! Tribute to Robert Frost Sir!

4 3 Reply
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