Notes About The Poem

The holidays are just not the same without family and friends.

I need them around me for it to be special.

The Day After Christmas

Christmas is over and I'm all alone.
The house is now quiet and I lie prone,

Remembering the merriment, the gladness and cheer,
And the wonderful feeling of having them here.

The Christmas tree twinkles by the window so bright.
In this quiet room it's the only light.

There it will stand until New Year's Day,
When I take it all down and put it away.

Then I'll clean the house from one end to the other,
Remembering with love each sister and brother.

I'll think on the past, of the joy and the fun,
Of raising my children, my daughters and sons.

The pain of not having them close by my side,
And how their success has brought me much pride.

Then I'll make some tea and sit down with my cat,
Then the dog at my side I'll get coat and hat.

I'll go for a walk in the crisp winter air,
And rejoice as the frost covers lashes and hair.

My life is a good one all things considered.
No need to feel lonely, abandoned, embittered;

For I have my life and they have theirs.
They write, visit, phone, that proves they still care.

I still have a job and my home keeps me busy.
No need to feel useless like some old tin Lizzy.

I'm not ready for the junk heap yet.
Not old, just experienced, I'm hip, you bet.

Can't wait now for Easter, they'll phone and come by,
And I'll hold each one close and give a glad sigh.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Babcock Avatar
January 31, 2017 at 3:10 PM
The blessing of family coming out of your heart dear Judy. I am so fortunate my boys and family are in the same city-blessed really. love phyl
Ball Avatar
February 7, 2017 at 12:51 AM
Thank you so much Phyl. Glad you like it. I agree that having your family close is a true blessing. God Bless, JB
Austin Avatar
January 25, 2017 at 10:52 AM
At 87 I can relate big time to your nostalgia. Enjoyed mucho. Love, daver
Ball Avatar
January 25, 2017 at 4:58 PM
Thanks so much Daver. Glad you like it. Thanks so much for stopping by. God Bless, JB
Lamoureux Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 9:02 PM
This is special, thanks for sharing your blessings.
Ball Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 9:38 PM
Thank you so much Richard. Glad you like it. Thanks for stopping by. God Bless, JB
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 7:09 PM
I had to fave this Judy. Do you have any grandchildren? It certainly helps fill the void. I watch my g.daughter while my daughter works, but soon she will be in Kindergarten and will be around much less. I was very moved by your beautiful poem! : ) 7
Ball Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 9:52 PM
Thanks so much for the wonderful words of encouragement Connie. I'm truly honored. God Bless, JB
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 7:04 PM
When you have raised several children and then they leave as they become adults one by one until there are none, you get that empty nest feeling that hides in every empty room. Having my three children now grown and gone I can completely relate to this beautifully written poem Judy. My children moved over 2000 miles away but we talk and use Skype, it's not the same as them being here. Fortunately one of my daughters stayed here in Hawaii and gave me a beautiful granddaughter to help raise. Hugs
Ball Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 9:58 PM
I agree Connie. I actually didn't have a son. I think the baby I lost was a boy but never knew for sure. I raised three girls who have all had both daughters and sons and so I have my sons through them. Nine grandchildren in all. My youngest grandchild is 15yrs. old now. Amazing how time flies. I must say I agree with the Mormons on calling them jewels in our crown. God Bless my friend. JB PS How wonderful to live in Hawaii.
Dietrich Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 6:34 PM
This is WONDERFUL!! a SEVEN
Dietrich Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 6:33 PM
Judy, I think you are right about my cat. That HAD to be the only way she could have gotten into the drawer. She must have gone behind the dresser though it would have been a VERY tight squeeze to do it!!
Green Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 10:40 AM
This poem was absolutely wonderful Judy. You have shown your love and caring heart so deeply in this beautiful piece. And hip....you bet. :)
Ball Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 5:02 PM
Thank you so much Chris. Glad you like it and thanks so much for stopping by. God Bless, JB
Wolf Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 10:17 AM
Excellent poem, Judy! They really do make it special, don't they! I'd much rather have good company than gifts any day! Now we have all that chocolate to look forward to! Ha /|\
Ball Avatar
January 24, 2017 at 5:11 PM
What good is a present you open all alone. I agree my friend. Thanks bunches. God Bless and thanks so much for stopping by. JB
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