A Christmas Carol In My Own Words
Tis an hour deep into the nighttime when the sounds first reveal themselves
Northern winds howl and whistle across the open landscape, swirling playfully to and fro
Effortlessly they fly across the ground, whipping up the dust of the new fallen powder
Tiny flakes of snow float effortlessly on their backs, joyously moving, like they hold a secret
All together they dance with delight and one can almost hear their cherubic laughter
The night sky is dark, nary a star shining tonight, only the smiling face of the moon above
Houses too, dark and silent, only fence posts and barren trees casting long misshapen shadows
Blue would be the color one might choose to describe the wintry setting laid out before them
The solitude of this frosty night brings about an indescribable peace and tranquil calmness
A stillness that only comes but a single day each winter but stays with us for all of the year
This eve, in homes and places near and far, did people both good and gracious gather together
Fires burned in hearths and stockings were hung on mantles in preparation for the time
Hearts, aglow with the spirit of the day gave warmth and heat to those around them
Many a table was piled high with pastries, sweet meats and treats for the little ones
Laughter and joy abound, the children did frolic and play around the Christmas tree
Outside the snow falls, covering the earth with a fresh clean blanket of pure white
Tonight, everything will be put in order and those which really matter will make it known
Carefully crafted melodies ring forth from the very corners of the room, vibrant and alive
Songs of the season are sung and the children drink in their words and smile at the world
Aye, the spirit of this night has not been lost on the good folk who share in its beauty
The evening goes on for what seems a fortnight, when at last the time for sleep arrives
Excitement brimming over in the minds of the little ones leaves them hardly near any rest
Alas, for they must close their eyes and drift off into the land of dreams before night’s end
Tiny pixies, dressed in suits of red and green linger in the midst of their nighttime dreams
Elves bubbling over with joy run playfully close to their beds, whispering in their ears
Voices sweet like sugar fill their tiny heads with delightful songs reserved only for children
When at last the fairies have wooed them into the deepest of sleeps does mother arrive.
She stops and stares at the glow arising from their smiling faces, even though they sleep
Only she can truly understand what goes on inside their heads, for she has been there herself
Nature has her own way of visiting those she knows, for they are the reason she continues
Dreams come, sweet and full of softness and warmth, like a favorite blanket nestled by your face
Those tender minds are washed clean of any ill thought and wrapped in the joys of the world
Across the land, adults smile, they remember the days when they too went to bed all aglow
The anticipation of the next day more than they could handle, yet somehow found a way
The day that comes but once a year, but brings memories and magic along for the ride
Mothers and Fathers take time with one another, remembering years past and those yet to come
A quiet moment together, one worth more than anyone could try to place on it
A splinter of time reserved just for the two of them where no words need be spoken
Love permeates the home, like the swirling winds on the lawn, it spirals around the rooms
A toast to the season does little justice to the sheer magic of the time they will share this night
The hour grows late and too must they give themselves over to the nighttime and to sleep
Silently tiptoe into the rooms of the children, a final chance to see that sleeping smile
Blankets are straightened and hair smoothed away from their tiny sleeping faces
Smiles contagious as parents look on to those who will be the future of this holiday
One looks at the other and together they share a thought that no other might entertain
At last, as hard as it is, they break from the gazing and set forth to prepare for the dawn
Candles are snuffed and the last of the embers are spread carefully across the fire grate
Mother and Father themselves prepare to enter the gentle land of slumber
A moment’s embrace and a goodnight kiss before their heads touch to the linens
Sleep comes rapidly for they have spent time of late in the eve preparing for the day
To sleep, to enter the peaceful world of dreams on this night is a lasting and wonderful thing
Night envelops the house and those spry winds which have been known to play are awake
Tis but for a moment, a split second in time when the vision of the mind becomes clear
On this most glorious of evenings, this night when nothing could go wrong does he appear
For if one were awake, they would get just a glimpse, a tiny movement in the shadows
Those eyes would behold the sight of the jolliest of elves, the one they call Santa Claus
Like the wind over the yard, he flies in and lands, sleigh all adorned with bells and garland
Creatures of myths and magic present themselves at the forefront of this magical contraption
Poised and powerful, they stand graceful and polite, pausing for only a moment
He disembarks with the speed of light and all in a flash, down the chimney he goes
In the blink of an eye he spies the stockings and the tree and his sack become light
The toys and gifts appear like they were always there, each carefully placed in their spot
A taste of fresh baked cookies and a sip of milk send him on his merry way
A wink and a smile cause red cheeks to shine and in a moment he is gone up the stack
The night again becomes silent and the moon continues to smile down on the land
The magic has been left and for a few hours more, those within the house will sleep
Until Christmas morning, when at last the time of waiting has come to an end
Pleasant dreams little ones, may all of your wishes come true tonight
Merry Christmas
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Oh! Ralph, I have goose bumps all up and down my arms. This Christmas Carol is delightful, nostalgic, sweet, lovely, magical and so much more. The part with the faeries and then the Mother comes to gaze on the sleeping children – such a beautiful touch. And that special time the parents find for each other in the stillness of evening is so touching. You have painted vivid images with words and so masterfully crafted. I am in such a magical place right now due to your wonderful poetic story. Great work, dear poet.
Beautifully penned and magical Ralph, evoking delightful imagery and warm thoughts of the season. Great work my friend.