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Mosaic Musings...interactive poetry reviews _ ARCHIVES -> MMHC (Holiday Classic) -> Halls of Montezuma _ The Christmas Eve Parade

Posted by: Rhymer Dec 18 10, 16:06

The Christmas Eve Parade

Lying awake and restless on the eve of Christmas night,
I rose to check the nursery, where I saw a wondrous sight!
On peeping through the door, which stood slightly ajar,
I saw my son’s tin soldiers, - though this might sound bizarre,
Assembled for a Grand Parade, with marching band complete.
So thought to seize my chance, to enjoy a special treat!

His army of toy soldiers, which are some of the finest made,
Dressed immaculately resplendent, and mustered on Parade,
Shouldered trusty muskets, borne with a soldier’s pride!
Swinging ram-rod arms in perfect rhythm, to their stride!
They smartly and efficiently, stepped to a martial beat,
While the room reverberated to their tiny leaden feet!

With boots beating a tattoo, on the bare wooden floor,
They marched three abreast, towards the playroom door.
Until, a Sergeant’s command - which I could scarcely hear,
Gave them their orders, in tones both sharp and clear,
This, to prepare and come about, after a count of three,
A complicated manouevre, which they executed faultlessly!

Their flawless performance, provided me a thrill;
A noteworthy example, of precision marching drill.
With no further order given, again they changed direction,
Performing as a unit; precise disciplined perfection!
Once the exercise was ended, all marching came to a stop.
Which left the room so quiet, one might hear a feather drop!

Now this lasted but a moment; hardly a second’s pause,
When spontaneously erupted, loud tumultuous applause!
In enthusiastic appreciation of the soldiers skillful feat,
The playroom toys acclaimed, their champion Corps Elite!
Though to me it sounded, no more than the faintest sigh,
It was a magical moment, as I can testify!

Such a startling revelation, afforded me surprise,
For not once had I seen, there were other watching eyes
Admiring the performance, I’d been privileged to see.
Neither had they seen me, an outsider, watching secretly,
Becoming numbed by the cold, I noisily moved my feet.
Thereupon discovered! I chose to make a quick retreat!

But quickly glancing back, before I returned to sleep,
I saw the tin toy soldiers, had swiftly returned to keep
Their vigil on the playroom, as expected every night,
And I was left in wonder, as to what I’d seen tonight?
Was this a happening, or a quirk of my imagination?
Which would be the truth, upon close examination?

What if these events had happened, and a mischievous sprite,
Had chosen to use his powers, to bedazzle me tonight?
Did I see toy soldiers drilling? Did I really walk about?
Thoroughly confused and tired, in my mind I had no doubt,
But still found it hard to accept, what I thought I’d really seen!
Or could it be no more, than what I wished it might have been?

A dream was perhaps the answer? One in which I could believe?
A long lost childish memory, recalled this Christmas Eve?
For at Christmas there’s a melancholy, we are wont to affect.
Recalling the romance of early days, on which we would reflect.
No more than fond recollections, of childish pursuits long since past.
They remain vivid memories of events we’d hope would last!

Driven onward by ambition, there’s few that count the cost,
Until searching for a reason, they try to repossess what’s lost!
With an overriding passion, to return to days as a child,
This overwhelming longing, is seldom reconciled!
When Christmas Day draws near, dreams get confused with fact.
Reality and illusion seem as one, as they appear to interact!

Well might it have been for me, that sleepless Christmas night.
A fleeting dream? No more? Had reality truly taken flight?
As for what caused me concern, and gravest consternation,
I can find no logical, nor reasoned explanation,
Except for a sentimental yearning, born of deep desire,
To relive Christmas fantasies again! As many folks aspire!

Posted by: Cleo_Serapis Dec 19 10, 13:25

Thank you for your Holiday entry, Denis!

Best of luck!

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

~ Mosaic Musings Staff