Christmas Remembrance, MMHC 2009 Winner Options

[Eisa]

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.

[Guest_ohsteve_*]

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