Voices At the Holiday Table
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On Christmas Day as she dines alone
at a table with many an empty chair,
she remembers loved ones she had known
who once were sitting there.
In flashes their faces begin to appear.
There’s John who was the first to leave,
her spouse who smiles with holiday cheer,
and Mom who passed on Christmas Eve.
But more powerful than seeing them,
are the voices that begin to speak.
Reminding her to think of Bethlehem,
Dad’s deep tones are never weak.
Witty Chris, Jeanette and now Marianne
are telling jokes, toasting the holiday.
Then all at once they’re laughing, the entire clan;
not one is at a loss for what to say.
Hearing these voices, she finds great solace,
though some might think she’s mad.
For listening to them eases her loneliness,
brightening the aura in which she’s clad.
And well she knows it won’t be long
before her spirit joins them on the other side.
Chairs all empty, she’ll lead them in song,
a joyful chorus caroling eternally every Yuletide.
* December 3, 2018
Entry for Constance's Christmas Poem contest.
Copyright © Carolyn Devonshire | Year Posted 2018
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