Posted by: browser57
The Christmas Present, by Lois Duncan - 12/20/09 06:43 PM
I found an old box of special cards and writings that I have saved over the years. Moving more times than I care to think about over the past 10 years - I had forgotten all about this poem. Thought it might touch your hearts as it always does mine.
I saw the Ghost-of-Christmas Past
Glide by our lighted tree.
Her arms were filled with dolls and toys,
And all were meant for me.
I sensed the rustle of her skirts,
Her blouse was trimmed with lace,
And when she turned to smile at me
She wore my mother's face.
Just as this vision slipped from sight,
I heard my daughter call.
Wild footsteps clattered on the stair;
Shrill giggles filled the hall.
She burst into the gift-filled room
And squealed in glad surprise,
And all the Christmases-to-come
Were mirrored in her eyes.
How swiftly fly the rainbow years,
Like splintered shafts of light.
As fragile as the gentle ghosts
Who whisper in the night.
I draw my child into my arms
And hold this moment fast
Against the time my face will be
Her Ghost-of-Christmas Past.
I saw the Ghost-of-Christmas Past
Glide by our lighted tree.
Her arms were filled with dolls and toys,
And all were meant for me.
I sensed the rustle of her skirts,
Her blouse was trimmed with lace,
And when she turned to smile at me
She wore my mother's face.
Just as this vision slipped from sight,
I heard my daughter call.
Wild footsteps clattered on the stair;
Shrill giggles filled the hall.
She burst into the gift-filled room
And squealed in glad surprise,
And all the Christmases-to-come
Were mirrored in her eyes.
How swiftly fly the rainbow years,
Like splintered shafts of light.
As fragile as the gentle ghosts
Who whisper in the night.
I draw my child into my arms
And hold this moment fast
Against the time my face will be
Her Ghost-of-Christmas Past.