CHRISTMAS PAST

I squeezed through the crush
in Woolworths, mesmerized
by colour saturated displays:
sparkling garlands,
scarlet trimmed teddies
glittering packaged gifts.

What should I buy her?

I fingered the shilling in my pocket,
finally spied a tiny bottle of Rose Petal Scent
with pink ribboned neck
and exchanged it for my silver coin.

Padded in newspaper layers
this gift looked enormous,
finished with festive paper
printed with holly and poinsettias
then tied with crimson string.

She’ll never guess what’s inside.

I woke before the sun crept through the window,
anticipation fluttering in my tummy.
My hand zigzagged down the bed
until I felt the familiar shape.
He’s been!

I dragged the nylon stocking up to my chest,
unloaded precious parcels
one by one; curiosity peeped
as eager fingers squeezed.

A white cotton-whiskered sugar mouse
lay on top of mint humbugs in a brown paper bag.
To fasten my tresses, a gaudy flower slide.
For my dressing table collection, a tiny china dog
was wrapped in tissue paper.
Tucked in the foot, an aromatic tangerine
rubs the shells of mixed nuts.

I bit off the iced nose,
pinned the shiny daisy to my hair
and dozed until breakfast --
then we opened gifts around the tree.

CHRISTMAS PRESENT

Jostling crowds press through shops,
stress etched on faces.
Shelves are packed with vivid Santa sacks
soon filled with mobile phones, computer games
and chocolate selection boxes.

Warmed by a familiar whiff
from the perfume counter
Rose eau de cologne
I remember my mother unwrap that present,
laughing at the umpteen layers.
She hugged me; I inhaled sweet fragrance
dabbed behind her ears.

Our Christmas table is laden with turkey dinner,
spread across her holly and poinsettia cloth;
her place - now vacant.
Masked by merriment, an ache sharpens
as I glance at the chipped
china spaniel on the shelf.

------- Author's Notes -------

Tweet

Comments on this poem/writing:

Click here to read other Poems by Capricorn

Copyright©2021-1999 by Rebecca R. Hammack

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All Rights Reserved.   No part of this website, including all pictures and written words,  may be reproduced or copied in any manner from this website without  permission of the original author of the work.  All poetry and pictures herein remain the sole property of the original author and/or copyright owner.  All poetry on this website has been submitted by the original author of the work. To contact any author of the work please e-mail: dreamer@dreamersreality.com  so the proper person may be notified.