Christmas Twinkling

[to my Grandmother]

how forthrightly you carried Christmas twinkling
long after the presents were unwrapped;
the creche with the star

stashed, never far.
and you, yourself, the Tree
bedecked even in
]
sleeting February with little stories.
within is hearth and home
the old novels promised,

come in
sit close by the fire.
here's tea! of Coca Cola

in a tall glass, on ice

(and cake, I always hoped
for the heroes, heroines).
oh, don't forsake me now,

happy endings.
respites from the storm.
I will keep warm

and Christmas twinkling
cherry baked twice if
need be

and Christmas bedecked and glittering
though they wreck the whole world.

mary angela douglas 23 october 2015