My Twenty Fifth Christmas

My twenty fifth Christmas arrived with grief. Snowflakes and anguish transcended belief. My mother’s fifty sixth year would be her last. Stage four had arrived, embittered and fast. Engaging moments were invariably made. Our last family Christmas was splendidly played. No sibling rivalry, not one single rift. I couldn’t have wished for a finer Christmas gift. There was tinsel and lights, stockings hung with care. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the air. Christmas music played; we gave Mom our best. That year was tops, better than all the rest. Six weeks later, I watched my mother die. It’s been twenty-five years, I still hurt and cry. Merry Christmas Mom, in my heart you will forever stay. I will always treasure God’s gift that I received on Christmas day. 12/4/21 A Christmas Gift Memory Poetry Contest Sponsor: BJ Legros Kelley