were memories
around us pulled
comfort to the still
where once the pearls
of laughter
burned us down

moonlight sits
on dirty panes
spring forgot to clean
when caught up in the living
let them go

hands confessed
of others known –
tenderness of time
places kept beyond the reach
of all we hoped to find

mistletoe
but who can know
of words denied to kiss
silver bells are ringing
can’t you hear

packages for wrapping
string the lights around
tend the fire
and let the solace in

cards along the mantle
tell of better days
but written to the soul
a kinder pen

. . .