Snow Globe

It seems like forever ago That I jumped for joy at the first snow The billowy mounds shining low Glistening like diamonds on paved roads As pure as a small child's heart All that's evil, still in the dark Making forts and angels and setting up the tree Wearing so many layers that I couldn't breathe Sleepless nights, waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve How I long for that child, so innocent and free A time when smiles weren't forced No desires of anything more Clinging to my childhood And fogging up the glass Looking through this snow globe That resides old winters passed Just a shake and a smile breaks free I'm gazing in, but I'll never be inside... My younger self stares back, scared of what he sees Melting are the angels I've left behind I'm cuddled in the blankets Listening to 'Let It Snow' But it makes no difference It's out of my control I'll put on a face, like I do This gingerbread cookie Gumdrop clothes to cover up A hole where my heart should be Walking through dirty streets That look pretty in white Bearing a blue and battered heart That's hard to hide, the snow's too bright The wife took the kids Right when I thought things were good I guess it's my fault But I did the best I could My present world is torn asunder The past isn't real, but it feels better Clinging to my childhood And fogging up the glass Looking through this snow globe That resides old winters passed Just a shake and a smile breaks free I'm gazing in, but I'll never be inside... My younger self stares back, scared of what he sees Melting are the angels I've left behind I bought myself a snow globe The house inside Looked just like mine As it took me back to better days Where all you could hear was that simple phrase I needed something I could hold To take me someplace else Maybe help me find myself Home feels the same It's me that's changed Entered into Anne Currin's YOUR BEST POEM contest