A glittered angel sits
atop a lushly decorated Christmas tree.
Bespectacled ornaments telegraph rainbows
as light dances and moves in waves.
Ancestor photos with starched backs
nestle among emerald branches.
They watch as we rip wrapped presents,
smile and say our, "Thanks you's."
The creator of this magic pops
cans of scarlet cranberries,
carves moist turkey,
and presents chocolate cream pie
to appreciative attendees.
Her husband reflects on his beautiful wife,
stories of charity, "Oh Holy Night,"
Sister Green, his own mortality and Christmas' gone by.
But this is now. Food needs consuming, toys played,
and carols sung in the Gardiner household.
"Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices"
The spirit of Christmas settles on hearts and minds.
"Truly he taught us to love one another,"
It is a season to remember, to reflect,
to forgive and to cherish.
Christmas 2014 Kent Gardiner