Christmas Without Laurie

My God! I won’t see you lie down beside me, Won’t see you wake, turn, watch the Christmas tree, I won’t feel your thick hair between my fingers, Nor hear your breath, as you sleep next to me. The second Christmas seems to me, much harder, The first, I made sure I went out and served, Now, first time we’ve enough inside our larder, I can’t give you the feast that you deserved… We always made do with our simple cooking, I loved it most, when you made meals for us, But you weren’t always up to it! Overlooking Occasions, Seasons, Runaround and Fuss… Our Way of Life! But now, I yearn for it! To turn a roast for you, upon the spit… To sing you music, buy you a new dress And tell you, you are beautiful, again, To hold you, comfort, quiet your distress, And revel! (Your heart’s not for other men!) How could I be so fortunate, that you Preferred me, who had never been preferred? And so unfortunate, once Life felt new, To lose you in the summer – ‘my little bird’! And now, it’s Christmas, and the frozen lakes Are lonely for the sound of your soft voice, And every wreath snow round about me makes Is empty of your face… I have a choice… Remember, hang your Virtues on the tree, Or fade away into solemnity. Written: December 9, 2018 For: A Sad Christmas - December 2018 Writing Challenge - Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Dear Heart