#PoetryFriday - Christmas Memories.

This is the last of my Christmas trilogy, and it also considers the dichotomy of emotions that Christmas brings to a life that has faced both loss and joy. Everyone we ever loved has, or will, die. That is the reality of our feeble human existence. So, the joy we feel at being able to spend one more Christmas on the earth must outweigh the grief. After grief, there must be joy. Of course, grief is a dark companion, and is always in the shadows; but, we must keep it there. When it knocks on our door, we choose whether to answer. For this one more Christmas, I will ignore it. Merry Christmas to every one whose life I touch. Your life touches me as well. That is all there is. 

He tried to remember how she looked in the kitchen

on Christmas Day.

A turkey in the oven,

fresh sage dressing in the pan,

and wonderful smells that filled the room.

This Christmas,

another stood in her place;

but, she has never tried to take her space

in his heart.

She knows,

from experience,

what loss feels like on holidays.

We sit with ghosts,

and fill empty chairs

with memories,

while we create a present

with a companion

who understands.

The room is filled with the same smells.

The Christmas tree shimmers in the light

of the same room.

The tables are stacked

with the same ornaments and tinsel.

The TV blares the same football games

and music.

Everything is the same,

but different.

Joy and heartache

become brothers for a day,

until the next day comes,

and a future

of joy

and heartache

waits for everyone.