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Grieving At Christmas

Christmas won’t be the same this year
I’ll go check out the multi-colored lights,
But I’ll be wishing you were here
So we could enjoy all the holiday sights.

I’ll still open presents on Christmas Eve
Christmas won’t be the same this year
After four Christmases, I still grieve,
Trying to cope with your absence, dear,

How we shared Christmas Eve’s cheer 
Just the two of us, sipping champagne,
Christmas won’t be the same this year
Without you in our little secret domain.

I’ll remember how with childlike glee,
You whispered “I love you” in my ear
No longer is Christmas just you and me,
Christmas won’t be the same this year. 

FIRST PLACE WINNER
Written November 28, 2022
Submitted to "Christmas Poem" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Constance La France

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Sam Kauffman Date: 12/7/2022 10:47:00 AM Milt, you write of a "blue Christmas" with such elegance. The quatern is the perfect vehicle to express your grief that is so poignantly visible in your well written poem. Congratulations on your win. Sending you Christmas blessings to fill your heart. Login to Reply

Christuraj Alex Date: 12/5/2022 7:21:00 PM "No longer is Christmas just you and me, Christmas won’t be the same this year" - Poignant lines. Poetically very beautiful though inner pain is deeply expressed. Congratulations! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/5/2022 7:40:00 PM Thank you so much, Chris.

Constance La France Date: 12/5/2022 12:42:00 AM Milt, a sadly moving poem, wonderfully penned, congratulations on your win in my Writing Challenge - Write A Christmas Poem, well done, your poem touched my heart, I grieve at Christmas too, blessings Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/5/2022 7:41:00 PM My heart reaches out to you, for I understand. Thanks so much for my placement in your contest. I always enjoy writing for you.

Andrea Dietrich Date: 12/4/2022 2:39:00 PM A sad one, and still our Christmases go on. Very well written, Milt. Congrats. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/4/2022 2:42:00 PM Yes, they do, Andrea. Thank you so much.

Ann Peck Date: 12/3/2022 9:43:00 AM A sweet poem, Milton. We do miss those who've gone, especially at Christmas. I wish you a bright Noel. And, congrats! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/3/2022 9:59:00 AM Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, Ann. Merry Christmas to you, too!

I Am Anaya Date: 12/3/2022 9:41:00 AM Congratulations on your first-place win, Milton! I share the sadness inside, when you write of things such as opening a gift on Christmas eve without the one you adored who is no longer present. Something still keeps you drawn to her; it was powerful! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/3/2022 9:59:00 AM Anaya, I really thank you for your understand and thoughtful comment.

Elizabeth Mccann Date: 11/29/2022 11:32:00 PM It's hard to give up our former self, the one that was reflected in her eyes. It's hard to assume the new identity in which there is not that reflection. But it does come and then we are different. Be well. Even though you feel uncertain in a new reality. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 11/30/2022 9:02:00 AM I'm sure that I will handle this, Elizabeth. Incidentally, my mom's name was Elizabeth! The mother of John the Baptist, a wonderful old name we don't hear so much now. Happy Holidays!

Shirley Hawkins Date: 11/29/2022 3:23:00 PM Our son David died on 27th Dec four years ago (on our Grandsons 12th Birthday) Leaving a void in my heart that nothing can fill. I feel deeply for you, Milt; your lovely poetry shows how much you love and miss Deb and keep her close to you. I am sure both David and Deb know this, as true love is everlasting. Take care, ( Old Duck ) Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 11/29/2022 4:10:00 PM Thank you so very much, Shirley, for your understanding and sympathy at this time of the year. Both of us understand how difficult it is.

Caren Krutsinger Date: 11/28/2022 11:32:00 AM Christmas is difficult when the one we love the most is no longer available Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 11/28/2022 12:28:00 PM This is true, but I thought I would be pretty much over it by now. But, sad to say, this has been the worst year yet.

Tom Cunningham Date: 11/28/2022 11:17:00 AM Christmas is the joyful season and you remember loved ones who used to share that joy with you, sadly when they are no longer here with us the sparkle has gone. I feel the sadness in your verse Milton. Tom Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 11/28/2022 12:28:00 PM Thanks, Tom. I'm having more difficulty this year than I had the past two, though, and I find that hard to figure out.

Jenna Logan Date: 11/28/2022 9:45:00 AM Milt, your sadness of missing Deb touches my heart. I feel the loneliness of a lost love, though not through death. The holiday season is especially difficult to navigate when without their presence. ;( Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 11/28/2022 12:29:00 PM You are so right about this, Jenna. And, lost love comes in many forms, I'm afraid. All in all, it's pretty much the same, though. Thanks so much for your understanding.