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Posted by: Eisa Dec 12 09, 16:50

Christmas Remembrance


Christmas Past

I squeeze through the crush
in Woolworths, mesmerized
at colour saturated displays:
sparkling garlands,
teddies with red bows
gifts in glittering packages.

What shall I buy her?

Fingering the shilling in my pocket
I spy a small bottle of Rose Petal Scent
with pink ribbon round its neck,
exchange it for my silver coin.

Padded in layers of newspaper
this gift looks enormous,
yet festive with a final layer
printed with holly and poinsettias,
tied with crimson string.

She’ll never guess what’s inside.

I woke before the sun crept through the window,
anticipation fluttering in my tummy.
My hand snaked down the bed
until I felt the familiar shape.
He’s been.

I dragged the nylon stocking up to my chest,
unloaded precious parcels
one by one, curiosity peeping,
feeling with eager fingers.

A white sugar mouse with cotton whiskers
lay on top of mint humbugs in a white paper bag.
To adorn my hair, a gaudy silver-tone flower slide.
For my dressing table collection, a tiny china dog,
wrapped in tissue paper.
Tucked in the foot, an aromatic tangerine
rubs the shells of mixed nuts.

I bit off the mouse’s nose,
pinned the shiny flower to my hair
and dozed until breakfast --
then opened gifts around the tree.

Christmas Present

Jostling crowds press through shops,
stress etched on faces.
Shelves are packed with vivid Santa sacks
soon filled with mobile phones, computer games,
and chocolate selection boxes.
Fruit and nuts bring sniggers.

Warmed by a familiar whiff
from the perfume counter
Rose eau de cologne
I remember her unwrapping that present,
laughing at the umpteen layers.
She hugged me; I inhaled the sweet fragrance
dabbed behind her ears.

Our Christmas table is laden with turkey dinner,
spread across her holly and poinsettia cloth;
her place - now vacant.
My deep ache swells as I glance
at the chipped china dog on the shelf.

Posted by: merle Dec 12 09, 19:29

Ok, I love this and must admit I got a little weepy when the character glanced at the chipped china dog. I think the holidays really are a mixed bag of emotions, and the ache we feel for loved ones gone is so much sharper.

I don't have much in the way of nits. I'm not sure you need to use the word 'store' when talking about Woolworths. You're in England and I'm in America so it appears it's a well-known chain, although ours have gone out of business. We have a Walgreens on every corner these days.

In Christmas Present, I think you meant 'unwrapping' not 'unwrap'?

Robin

Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Dec 13 09, 08:27

Thank you for your Holiday entry Snow!

Best of luck!

May the 'classic' holiday spirit be shared in your heart throughout the season!

~ Mosaic Musings Staff

Posted by: Psyche Dec 14 09, 15:39

Great to see you posting, Snow!

Mmmm....this poem brings back so many memories. We used to have apples & nuts in our stockings, coz there were no citrus fruits in our neck of the woods. One ate the local produce, which is what is recommended again NOW...everything goes full cycle!

Not supposed to say much here.... I just dropped in to show my pleasure at having spied you at MM...!!

Many hugs, Syl***

Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Mar 14 10, 12:36

You've won the 6th annual MMHC with this fine effort. I'm so happy - this one really touched me (as it must have with the judges as well)!

Here's wishing you all the joys of the season all the year long.

Cheers,
~Cleo

Posted by: ohsteve Mar 15 10, 14:26

Congrats here too Snow....wonderful poem.
Steve