Noel, Noel

He sat alone in front of the fire

A glass of red wine held between thumb and forefinger

His eyes stared into the flames

Reading the future or recalling the past

The clock chimed the hour and he raised his eyes to look

Midnight, eerie time where no man should be alone

The house creaks and complains of age and neglect

Like its owner it is tired and near to its end

Chimes ring out and break free the old mans musings

He hobbles to the door his weight supported by a cane

He opens the door and it swings wide to the world

Smiles fill the entranceway and laughter warms the air

Merry Christmas Grandpa and a happy, happy New Year!