I waited under the tree

for you,

but you never appeared.

Your niece was near

Your sister was there

Your mom so close

And Grandma, too,

but where were you?

I saw you passing

in the distance

back and forth

run here, run there

as I approached.

Stress wrinkled your brow

no smile on your face

Buy this, buy that

Bake this, cook that

Giving and giving

for all those in want,

But never taking.

I waited for bright eyes

of past.

Lit by flashing colors,

crinkled by pretty paper,

glowing like silky bows.

I waited for the joy in

your eyes to return,

but it didn't show.

Eleven years now

I have waited to see

your face lit up

with the excitment

of Christmas,

and each year

I wonder

will it be this year?

Will she allow Christmas joy

into her heart

this year?

Will she remember

those passed,

gathered near the tree

and not be sad

about loss?

I wait, with them

only to

see your face light 

with the joy that

is Christmas.

Will you be happy

or, will you make me,

Christmas,

wait again

until next year?