THIS IS CHRISTMAS....

SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS

This is the time to remember those we loved but are no longer here,
To commemorate our nearest & dearest
But, most of all those that have gone, to pastures new...
Papa so loved Christmas, he'd prepare well in advance
He'd make a beautiful grotto, with Jesus in a manger,
Mary and Joseph standing by...
One had, to see to believe, how beautiful it was
The artist in him he was a great sculptor...
He made everything, from the figures to the baubles...
The shepherds, the three wise kings,
The glitter, scattered here and there, for a child it was a fantastic sight.
On Christmas morning there was Mama, Papa and Us 
Gathered around the manger, no Christmas tree then
Each and everyone receiving a small gift...
Chin chinning, each other, with much merriment ... 
He had the habit of bringing a little firewater,
First thing in the morning, believe it or not 
That's how we started our morning, fire water for the adults
Just to keep the fire in their bellies, honey liquor for the little ones
And orange segments, as a sweetener to have after the drink...
All were welcome each and everyone, no one went hungry...
Those who knocked on our door were fed, no one was turned, away...
The stories they use to recount so, much fun, the jokes Papa came out with,
Had everyone, ringing with peals of laughter, the madness was such,
It was catching, we laughed until our sides hurt
Laughing, from ear to ear 
And tears spilling from our eyes
The aroma coming from Mama's kitchen, as she was cooking lunch
She was such an excellent cook, I still salivate at the memory of it... 
The table set beautifully, with the best crockery ...
Of course, the best glasses, that later we'd play music clinking on the glasses 
With luncheon over, the music would start, 
And of course, Papa being a musician his baton in hand 
Just to lead us on as always the noise was such, bedlam!
Anything we could get our hands-on...
The pots and pans weren't safe they, acting as drums
The saucepan lids as cymbals spoons kind of maracas
And we had to play in tune.
As he pointed at each and every one of us
Killing himself with laughter
His baton, oh my! His, baton clipping our shoulders!     
And poor Mama begging, begging for the noise to stop...
Papa said, oh woman let us be, we're making music can't you see
With much exhilaration says he!! 
When I think about this, that's no exaggeration...
The most beautiful time spend together...
A well-spent day, with frolickings, over.
Papa beaming happy shining on, his dark brown eyes the lighting up
The whole family together spending such a glorious day...
There was, not the materialistic things that they have today
But we needed not such material things, we had their, attention   
And we had our music never, never forget the music.
Mama Papa just made it unique... for at Christmas day
We had everything we needed, forever and a day
We were a family together, Papa Mama and us...

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

                          By Connie James...