L Milton Hankins Poet Free verse

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 September 29, 2021 at 10:12 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! L Milton Hankins September 29, 2021 at 11:10 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 September 26, 2021 at 12:26 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

Regina Mcintosh September 26, 2021 at 7:37 AM Lovely write. I enjoyed it. God bless you and CONGRATS. Love, Gina L Milton Hankins September 26, 2021 at 8:08 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 September 22, 2021 at 2:11 AM Very nice entry into the contest Milton..Good Luck...Delice L Milton Hankins September 22, 2021 at 9:57 AM Thanks, Delice. A true story.

Caren Krutsinger September 21, 2021 at 9:26 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. L Milton Hankins September 22, 2021 at 9:58 AM I remember that so well, Caren. A true story from those awful days when we were losing mom.

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