Christmas Eve (Poems)

Christmas is a kaleidoscope of happiness and emotions,

In a fractured world of relationship pain.

The families separated by distance,

And the upheavals experienced through strain.

Cut off from each other by grief and distress,

Loved ones taken through illness, death and ravaged by duress.

Fractures and brokenness leave hope for rebuilding

Some issues will never be redressed.

Different paths were chosen as we aged

Leading siblings away from the home of birth

Where, as young children, best mates were at play.

Occupational choices led to different reaches

Values changed and soon other people filled the breeches

In the lives of those we once were close to,

the family from our childhood became the family we once knew.

Generations have grown around us with new children and adults

Surrounding us with relationships not so challenged by life’s jolts.

Lifestyles, new partnerships, religion and circumstance

Over the years have eroded and weathered the carefree time

Of growing up together before the slow decline.

A son was tragically taken two decades before his dad,

Sixteen years later mum was the one mourned.

Four branches spread remain of that family tree,

Five decades later dimly I remember,

coming home from church on Christmas Eve,

soft drink and treats in the kitchen to receive,

as dad went into the lounge to check

Father Christmas had come while at church

And under the tree

presents see.

“God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”. John 3:16