----- Lost Christmas -----

Last Christmas seems so long ago,
as another year approaches fast,
and way back then I could not know,
that Christmas was to be the last.

For as I'm told of the birth of joy,
and witness widespread jubilation,
I can only remember my lovely boy,
and wonder about mis-placed superstition.

It will be a Silent Night this year,
so I will raise a glass, or two.
You will be with me, oh so near,
as you have been all year through.

The tree was put in its usual spot,
and then decked out in gold,
and also a thing or two that are not,
which you made at two years old.

And there beneath I will place a gift,
which I bought for you one day,
because thinking of you gave me a lift,
and I thought I knew what you'd say.

Oh how I want to hear your voice,
and share with you that mirth,
so on Christmas day I will truly rejoice,
the miracle of your birth.

Paul Slootweg, December 2008