I remember those magical days-
children running in from the bus
to see what new presents
had suddenly appeared under the tree.
I remember the magic of lights-
the “oohs and ahhhs” as the switch came on.
The weeks of “what I want for Christmas”
coming from innocent souls.
Then the chorus of “and that’s all…”
followed by several more favorites.
Yesterday, my babies, my life-
The Joy on their faces, on my face as well.
Today, I lay here alone, a tree with no presents.
Sits in a “living room” no one plays in.
I pick up a sick grandchild from school,
Drive by a graveyard-when one of them lies.
I wonder, today, with life having little meaning,
how those days, when we were so poor,
when those “wants” really did magicially appear.
If it is worth it now, the memories, all I have.
My sick heart pounds, the hot tears roll,
down lonely cheeks as teens tell me
“I won’t be home after school, I have to hurry.”
There are dinner and parties, friends, life.
Please remember, children of today,
that life goes by so fast, that todays’ kids
are tomorrows adults, with kids of their own.
And we, who once were so needed and loved.
Have grown old as my babies grew up.
I put up a tree, as my youngest insisted.
But no joy of a new present hiding there today.
Just memories, the awareness of time rushing by…
Like the old Scrooge Tale, it is-
Christmas Past, Present, Future.
I must remember that life moves on, even if
it drags me kicking and screaming.
beebeesworld 