I held your hand as we walked around,
Still wearing that ridiculous crown.
From out of the cracker along with a joke,
Reminding me how strange are folk.

A Christmas tree we’d come to buy,
Searching out with my beady eye.
A fine blue spruce straight and true,
Full figured, not skinny it will do.

Taking in smells, sights and sounds,
Sprigs of holly and mistletoe found.
Hot toddy sampled, not too bad!
At times this season makes me sad.

Family parties when I was young,
With neighbours, were so much fun.
Simple pleasures:
Forgotten all over, done.

Chestnuts on a brazier glowing red,
Reminds me that I’ve not been fed.
I settle for hot chocolate instead,
Nearly home it’s way past my bed.

I held your hand as we walked around,
Still wearing that ridiculous crown.
Sweet memories buried in the ground,
Silent, lost the seasons familiar sound.

Breda Ware