After the Carolers Leave
 

While those dearest to me
celebrate in heaven,
I remain alone.

When memories were made
I had so much to do
so little time.

Now
I have so little to do –
so much time.

I pull memories from my heart’s drawer
unwrap and finger them,
smelling, hearing, tasting …

turkey with sage stuffing, hot oatmeal cookies,
pine needles, candles,
rustle of tissue paper, snow covered hugs,
childish wiggles and giggles,

cold snow on my tongue, sweet sticky taffy,
crunch of shelling nuts,
familiar smiles, wet kisses from drooling babies,
golden glow of fireplace,

precious memories
stored away
for today.