Decorating Silence
by Odin Roark

How deafening the stillness

Where once did tinkling chimes hang above
Welcoming doors opening
When snow-clad galoshes padded innocently
While a snow covered canine
Did wag
Did pant
Did shake

How distant the Lionel train
Making its rounds about the tree
Its smoke stack puffing
Its timid whistle sounding

How comforting
The fragrance of conifer drippings
The string draped popcorn boughs
The reflective glass balls of red
Green
Yellow
And clear

How memorable these reflections
Love’s time past
When simple butcher paper
Newspaper
Brownbag wrapped gifts
Needed but a piece of red string
To bring a smile

Aged appreciation nods
Snapshots remain
Remembrance fixes frozen moments
Standing warm and supportive
Rising from the flames

How faithful my fire
The stone encased resuscitator
Able to keep safe
Those undulating mirages
Never out of reach
Always ready to arouse
Performing the yearly dance
Beneath moist overcast eyes
Ever glistening

Time fades
Fireplaces stand ready
Nostalgia’s faithful friends know well
Decorated silence remains
But a simple rekindling away