Jim Yerman | + Follow Poet |
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This Year's Best Christmas Tree Ever

Like many families who believe in Christmas 
either religious or spiritually
Deborah and I set out each year 
in search of our perfect tree.

And we usually find it right away…
with so many trees to choose this is a plus
Which always makes me wonder if we are choosing the tree 
or if the tree is choosing us?

Because when we stand it up…when we look it over
when around it’s trunk we roam
we smile simultaneously knowing…this one’s coming home

And when we add our ornaments 
with their corresponding memories
it transforms from just another Frasier Fir 
into our family Christmas tree.

Each ornament adds to the story of our life 
as we’ve watched our family grow
most are significant only to us 
and carry meanings only we would know. 

There’s an ornament for Whitman (what a great dog he was) 
and Ryan’s baby shoes
that old photo of Ali and me at the cabin, 
Bryan’s manatee and pickles for the grandchildren too.

And each year when we’re finished trimming 
Deborah marvels and always adds,
“I think this years Christmas tree 
is the best Christmas tree we’ve ever had!”

And that was true one year ago…
but with this tree I can avow
we’ve added another year of memories 
to place upon her boughs.

So as wonderful as last year’s tree was 
it’s the new memories we’ve amassed
that make this year’s Christmas tree the best tree…
and so much better than the last.

In that way our Christmas tree is a little like our life…
we fill it with memories of our joys, our laughters…our tears
And just like our life…our Christmas tree…
gets a little better every year.

I suppose that’s why when the right tree speaks to us…
both Deborah and I are glad
Knowing it will take its rightful place 
as the best Christmas tree we’ve ever had.

Copyright © Jim Yerman | Year Posted 2019

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