His Last Christmas Eve

There stands a tree, in the dark.
Out in the lot, cold and stark.
It's Christmas Eve in the city.

It's oddly shaped, kind of bent.
Branches bare of Ornament.
No colored lights twinkling pretty.

Comes a hush, while church bells ring.
Hear the choirs begin to sing,
as snow begins to fall gently.

A homeless man, shuffles past.
Hunched against winters blast.
Stops, for the shelter of the tree.

He hears the bells and the songs.
Raspily he sings along.
Smiling faintly, at childhood memories.

As snow settles on the boughs,
removes his cap, from his brow.
Places it atop the leaning tree.

To view his star, he steps back,
coughing deep as his lungs rack.
Life, has not treated him kindly.

He sits down beneath the tree,
pulls round his tattered coat closely.
Feeling cold, tired and hungry.

This old man, alone in life.
Fought in wars, lost his wife.
Wanders now, the streets, aimlessly.

He who never prayed before.
Never passed through a church door.
Tonight he whispers, reverently....

"Lord, I'm not the best of men."
"I've committed grievous sins."
"They've led me here, now, to what you see".

"There's no one else, I can blame."
"I must answer, for my own shame."
"I only ask, can you forgive me?"

As his eyes, begin to close,
he sees one last time, the tree decked in snow.
Swears, he hears Angels heavenly.

He no longer feels the weather.
He now feels light as a feather,
as he dreams, on his last Christmas Eve
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Brown Avatar
November 7, 2011 at 1:29 PM
Congratulations on your win in P.D.'s "Holiday Poem"contest Paula. Love, Carol
A   Avatar
November 5, 2011 at 9:58 PM
;-) CONGRATULATIONS, thank you for supporting my contest... I'm just dropping by to give everyone a warm congratulations and gratitude from the heart. ((you may get this comment more than once, if you entered more than one of my contest this week)) Have a wonderful weekend, GOD BLESS,..p.d.
Sweetheart Avatar
November 5, 2011 at 5:32 PM
Congrats Paula on a wonderful win for this ooutstanding holiday poetry luv..
Taylor Avatar
November 5, 2011 at 9:33 AM
Congrats, Paula. Sad, but beautiful story. Excellent write. Nice going. Kudos. Best to you and yours. luv Ralph
George   Avatar
August 2, 2011 at 4:24 AM
Superb writing Paula. Congratulations on making it through the first round and best wishes on making it to the Finals. Lainie
Sweetheart Avatar
July 31, 2011 at 7:12 PM
Congrats Paula on your featured poem this week on PS.. a wonderful write to share with us all my friend with luv...
Robbins Aka Gonzo Avatar
December 5, 2010 at 2:58 PM
Really strong write my friend and how the hell are ya? thought id try out my old stomping grounds here goodto seeyou here my friend solid write cheers gonzo
Brown Avatar
December 3, 2010 at 8:58 AM
Paula this is so sad. We must all realize though this does happen. You have an outstanding write here. I would say one of your best. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
December 2, 2010 at 2:11 PM
The story of this homeless man gave me chills, Paula. Beautifully written and a reminder that not everyone can feel the joy of Christmas. Touching how he started to sing along with the choir. Thank you for sharing. Love, Carolyn
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