Ancient music drifting from a record player
The tang of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves
New family meeting for the first time
A homemade star sparkling in the window
Cherubs caroling at a school concert
Bows on boxes dusted with pine needles
Mulled wine steaming in a saucepan
Carving castles into three feet of snow
Trying in vain to contain the excitement
A basketful of cards from faraway friends
Five boisterous brothers at the dinner table
Strawberries crowning vanilla ice cream
Brother and sister playing Stratego
Arctic wind blasting cherried cheeks
Sweet pain recalling those missing
… proof that hope is worth it.
Chris Clark, December 10, 2024
Chris Clark 