When my wife and I stood together in front of the tree this morning, we couldn't help remembering all the Christmases past, as we always do. We're truly blessed to have our "treasured three." Merry Christmas and a blessed new year to all.

Joe

Note: This is a re-post rather than a bump.


It Doesn’t Seem Like Christmas

It doesn’t seem like Christmas
To the two of us this year.
Oh, gifts are wrapped, the star is lit,
But something’s missing here.

The princess who would stand in awe
As she spied the Christmas tree,
Her eyes aglow, her mouth agape
In silent reverie,

Has answered proud the mission call,
Now serves half-world around.
She’d come home for the season
If somehow time were found.

The towhead boy who’d shout with glee
As he scrambled down the stair,
With joy so pure and boundless
It electrified the air,

Has headed west with pockets bare
In search of providence.
We’ll miss his perfect passion,
His unspoiled innocence.

The china doll with honeyed curl,
The sleep still on her face,
Who’d slowly open every box
With elegance and grace,

Is now captive to Erato
And her sisters lithe and tall.
She’s on the stage in Iowa
In answer to their call.

Sure, it doesn’t seem like Christmas
Without our treasured three,
But we're gifted with the knowledge that
They’re safe, they're sound, they're free.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/25/2006 09:12AM by JosephT.

Good one, Joe, Merry Christmas to you.

Les

I really loved this JT...especially the last stanza:

Sure, it doesn’t seem like Christmas
Without our treasured three,
But we're gifted with the knowledge that
They’re safe, they're sound, they're free.

What a wonderful tribute to your children, and it is also a testment to how you and your wife raised them! It flowed beautifully and has a simple, regal flow and candence to the ear....great job

This is beautiful Joe. I love the way you capture each with your imagery. I also like the ending where the gift of knowing they're well and ironically free is the conclusion. Merry Christmas!

Les, Kelly, Khalida:

Thank you, all.

Joe

Beautifully written, Joe. I like it!

Very nicely done, Joe.

John

Debutant and John:

Glad you liked it. Thank you.

Joe

Bump...thanks for the idea, Mary.

Merry Christmas to all.

JosephT

Hmm, I remember this one too, Joe, and can't figure why I didn't comment. I think you've had at least one addition to your family since this was written and I hope you'll be spending time with at least some, if not all, of your kids/grandkids this holiday season.

I'm listening to gorgeous piano Christmas music on Pandora radio on the PC and cooking in preparation for our meal tomorrow night. It's nice to see your post because I always think of my e-mule friends just as endearingly as those with whom we gather at this time of year. The mule's been more quiet than past years so I'm glad for your holiday post.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Mary

A beautiful re-read Joe. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and to all Emulers!

Mary and Khalida:

Thank you. Happy New Year to you both and to all emulers, old and new.

Joe