My mother loved Christmas
She loved trimming the tree
and beamed singing
while stringing crystal light stars
untangling the multicolored bright
blinking prismatic rainbows
untangling the green metal hooks
looping them into ornaments on
evergreen aluminum branches.
She saved every decoration
for decades past the point of recycling.
Every year she re-displayed
plastic smiling clowns
with missing sticker eyes
purchased in the 1970s.
She made things precious
by saving them forever.
In my mind I see her smiling
as she places each carefully wrapped
gift under the tree.
Giving was her special power.
I can see her heart in her eyes
we were everything to her.
She kept us warm with cozy slippers
She made elaborate feasts
She coped with our father’s moods
She held our lives together.
Cancer is stealing her away
I don’t know what to do
I don’t know how to say goodbye
I don’t know how to apologize
I don’t know how to let her go.
Christmas will always belong to her.
Every time I see a tree
lit in sparkling starlight
it reminds me of her
radiance and beauty.
What a lovely, loving tribute to your mother. Some of your best poetry has her as its subject.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much. My mom inspires me on many levels, writing about her is a form of therapy for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry about this. Losing your mother is one of the hardest things in life. Remember self-care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jeff❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful beautiful poem, Judy.
I’m so sorry about your mother.
It is hard watching someone you love get weaker.
How beautifully she must have decorated the Christmas tree by the sounds of it. ❤
My own favourite childhood memories of Christmas were the beautifully decorated tree, the beautifully wrapped gifts and the little Christmas Nativity manger scene under the tree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Christopher. It’s a part of life to let go, but my mom had such a strong spirit, I’m in denial that she’s ill. Christmas is so lovely I think we all have good memories because of it. ❤️🌲☃️❄️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful and heartbreaking ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much Rosaliene ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blessings to you and your mom, Judy. Hold tight to the fond memories of her and treasure the present day moments. I know it is tough. ❤️🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sylvester for your kind thoughts. Blessings to you and your loved ones ❤️🙂
LikeLike
You’re very welcome, Judy and thank you very much 😊❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully penned and packed with sweet tender memories and moments! Lovely♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️💔❤️ Merry Christmas ❤️💔❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Doree, Merry Christmas to you too❤️❄️☃️🎄
LikeLiked by 1 person