Almost Christmas: Where Have They Gone?

Where have they gone?

Why, it seems like just yesterday when they were here

There was laughter and love

Games and hugs

And bedtime stories

Of giants and beanstalks

Jack Horner and Miss Muffett too

Family meals

School plays

Summertime fun

The beach

Taffy and arcades

A milkshake and some french fries

Special times

Fun times

Why, it was just yesterday when my mother held me in her arms

While an aunt made faces

And funny sounds

Holidays

Easter

Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins

Yes, the cousins

All sizes, all shapes

Boys and girls alike

Colored eggs

Playing in the old barn

Cowboys and cowgirls

Pretend horses and sticks for guns

Toy trucks, and wagon rides

Such fun

Sometimes doing things we knew we shouldn’t

We were carefree

And worried not

Life was forever

Fireflies, hide-and-seek, and freeze tag

A new season

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the new year

Sleigh bells

Santa

The tree, the lights, and the angel perched high above

The turkeys and hams and holiday treats

Presents, trees, and eggnog

There was laughter and love

Games and hugs

But…

It’s mostly quiet now

As I often sit, thinking and wondering

Where have they gone?

My grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles

It’s almost Christmas…

…and they’re no longer here.