L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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A Dismal Christmas

It was December, 1956 and Christmas was approaching
Mama was in the hospital and would be until the New Year
While we were visiting, she said to my brother Jim and me
“Your Santa presents are in the top of my closet. I am so
Sorry I won’t be there on Christmas morning, but Santa
Will come, just as he always does.

Jim and I shuffled our feet and looked at the floor.
We fought hard to keep the tears from flowing down our
Cheeks, but we were also a bit embarrassed, for we had
Been playing with our “Santa presents” for several weeks,
But we knew we mustn’t let our Mama know.

It was going to be a dismal Christmas in more ways than one
But it became one of the most memorable moments in my life.

SEVENTH PLACE WINNER
written September 20, 2021
especially for "A Lovely Memory" Poetry Contest
sponsored by Regina McIntosh

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Sam Kauffman Date: 9/29/2021 10:12:00 AM Milt, congratulations for your win. There is such love illustrated here. Even though your mom was in the hospital, she wanted you and your brother to enjoy the special joy of Christmas - a very special selfless mom indeed. Very, very touching. Blessings! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/29/2021 11:10:00 AM Thank you so much, Sam. It was Christmas, 1956. My mom died mid-summer of 1957. So glad you enjoyed the poem.

Jan Allison Date: 9/26/2021 12:26:00 PM aww Milton such an emotional poem on so many levels i have a huge lump in my throat , adding this to my faves for so many reasons, congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply

Regina Mcintosh Date: 9/26/2021 7:37:00 AM Lovely write. I enjoyed it. God bless you and CONGRATS. Love, Gina Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/26/2021 8:08:00 AM Thank you so much, Gina. I was surprised at my placement and very proud that you liked it. Blessings on you, too.

Delice Arleen Skelly Date: 9/22/2021 2:11:00 AM Very nice entry into the contest Milton..Good Luck...Delice Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/22/2021 9:57:00 AM Thanks, Delice. A true story.

Caren Krutsinger Date: 9/21/2021 9:26:00 PM This is a terrific add to the poem "we had Been playing with our “Santa presents” for several weeks," I love the honesty of it. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/22/2021 9:58:00 AM I remember that so well, Caren. A true story from those awful days when we were losing mom.

Tom Cunningham Date: 9/20/2021 7:56:00 PM Those lovely memories stay with you forever Milton. Funny thing it was the year I was born. Tom Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/21/2021 9:18:00 AM Wow, you are just a young whippersnapper. I was 15 years old.