Christmas Alone Poem by Colin Ian Jeffery

Christmas alone

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

When a child, late Christmas Eve
Close to midnight hour
Father crept quiet as a mouse
Into bedroom I shared with brother
Filling pillowcases with toys
While we pretended to be 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, frail in stooping old age
Parents, brother long gone
Eating alone Christmas day
Thinking of other Christmases
As child seated at laden table
Sharing family's joy and laughter.