A Christmas Tale
It is the day after Christmas
and the tree stands in the corner,
lights flickering on the ceiling.
Windows alight with candles,
the wreath hangs on the door
a nativity graces a side table.
Gone are the colorful cookies and candy,
the aroma of evening meals
with family and friends.
I bundle up for a walk with the dog.
Outside all is quiet
not ready to return to normal.
Making our way along the sidewalk,
we pass an old man walking
in the opposite direction.
He is stocky with white hair and beard,
his step quick and confident.
We nod to each other as we pass.
A few more steps and I stop.
There is something familiar
in his bright eyes and slight smile.
I turn around and he is gone,
the sidewalk deserted,
no one is stirring.
The dog looks at me questioningly
as if I have answers,
so we continue our walk.
But my thoughts linger
on the old man
and the child in me wonders . . .
It is the day after Christmas
and the tree stands in the corner,
lights flickering on the ceiling.
Windows alight with candles,
the wreath hangs on the door
a nativity graces a side table.
Gone are the colorful cookies and candy,
the aroma of evening meals
with family and friends.
I bundle up for a walk with the dog.
Outside all is quiet
not ready to return to normal.
Making our way along the sidewalk,
we pass an old man walking
in the opposite direction.
He is stocky with white hair and beard,
his step quick and confident.
We nod to each other as we pass.
A few more steps and I stop.
There is something familiar
in his bright eyes and slight smile.
I turn around and he is gone,
the sidewalk deserted,
no one is stirring.
The dog looks at me questioningly
as if I have answers,
so we continue our walk.
But my thoughts linger
on the old man
and the child in me wonders . . .
