The ghost of Christmas past
Came knocking at my door,
He took me to the time
When my little girls were four.
We knelt before the Christmas tree
Presents crudely wrapped but there,
A plate by the fireside
With Santa’s festive fayre.
We walked into their bedroom
As quietly as you can,
My two small girls were sleeping there
In Ramsey, Isle of Man.
In the muted light they seemed peaceful
Asleep and safe and warm
In a home filled with love and family
To keep them safe from harm.
The stockings on the bedposts
Were filled with treats and toys
Hung there by their Daddy
To bring them hope and joy.
Christmas was extra special
In that one particular year
As Daddy had come home safely
From military conflict fuelled by fear.
I thanked the kindly ghost
For reminding me that night
That despite the hours of darkness
Christmas is about recognising the light.
May your Christmas time be peaceful
Filled with memories that shine,
To keep your heart warm through the cold
And lonely times.
©Alison Jean Hankinson.
