Christmas Angel, Lost

It's Christmas Eve ... Such a beautiful one, too Big snow flakes drifting down The street and house lit up outside And Momma ... Momma's in the kitchen She's cooking like crazy, as she always does Radio playing carols and silly Santa songs And her singing along, as she prepares a meal to admire Oh, she's an amazing cook, and Christmas Eve is her time to shine Thanksgiving and Easter, too, but tonight is the "Big One" It always has been for us, and her preparations, the cherry on top Baking pies and cookies and turkey and real pudding Squash and turnip and mash potatoes Gravy, stuffing, yam puffs, peas, beans ... You name it, she has perfected them ALL But the singing, the joy, the sparkle in her eye That's connected to one primary thing ... My brother, home from the service He's been a Marine for many years now But somehow he has always made it home for the holidays Momma depends on it, you see, and he knows that So ... he always finagles his "leave" so Christmas Eve is Momma's He always has, and she counts on it like the sun And THIS year will be the grandest yet She has truly outdone herself with cooking and decorations And she even sold some of her favorite jewelry Just to buy a special dress ... a beautiful Christmas dress But as I listen to her singing along with the radio A tear stains my face, and a lump catches in my throat You see, I just received a telegram My brother, the light in Momma's eyes, has been killed in action And he won't be home this year ... or any Oh, if I could but trade my life, I would Just so I wouldn't have to be the one The one who has to tell my dear Momma That her blessed baby boy - Her Christmas angel ... Is gone. ~ 1st Place ~ in the "Sad Christmas" Poetry Contest, Dear Heart, Judge & Sponsor.