December-Christmas Musings
A Poem
Winter is upon us once again
Cold temperatures amplified by biting winds
Threaten to freeze even the marrow in our bones
The accompanying chill once implanted
Is hard to overcome
The last leaves have fallen
Trees now stand naked and unadorned
Awaiting the inevitable blankets of snow
Soon to spread over all
But the holiday spirit is in the air
Bringing the warmth of memories of years past
At least that is what a casual observer might surmise
Though my own story is far more complicated
My childhood reminisces reveal joy and excitement
Interspersed with sadness and guilt
The recollections of the years as an adult and parent
Are far more rich and comforting
Looking back, it is clear now what was hidden from my sight then
Our family was poor,
If only in material things,
Though overflowing with love and support
Like most young people,
I was the center of my universe
Comprehending only my own wants and desires
Christmas gifts that I “needed to have”
Were often not to be found under our tree
Having a tree at all was in jeopardy in some years
Twice we received
Our…
