White Christmas

A seasonal poem with a little twist.

White Christmas

They said it wouldn’t happen
this Christmas wouldn’t be white
but I can feel that cold, crisp chill
as I tiptoe through the night.

A soft kiss lands upon my cheek
another on my nose
a cold and sparkling, sliding kiss
that drops to pinch my toes.

Those intricate kisses flurry
they swish and swirl around
I begin to feel my footsteps crunch
in the whiteness covering the ground.

I lift my hand to shield my eyes
as suddenly from afar
a light takes over the darkness
a light from a shining star.

I’ve never seen such beauty
nothing quite so bright
a warmth I’ve never before known
envelopes me this Christmas Eve night.

A faint, sweet music reaches my ears
I smile, and spin, and dance
bells ring as all around me
tiny white ladies prance.

A soft, kind voice calls out my name
I flutter my glistening lashes
the star draws nearer, so very bright
as people throw up their sashes.

‘Can you not see that star above?’
I call, but nobody listens.
‘Do you not hear those sweet, sharp bells,
or see the snow that glistens?’

But, the bells become a siren
the snow begins to disappear
again a voice calls to me,
but I feel a touch of fear.

I dare to look behind me
I see myself on the ground
a thin blanket on my body
cardboard boxes all around.

A blue light spins and flashes.
‘She’s gone,’ I hear them say.
‘There were no beds at the shelter.
They were full to bursting today.’

I crouch and see a tiny smile
upon my frozen face,
I look around at those left still
in this dark and lonely place

There’s people all around me…
Oh yes, they see me now.
I’m quite alright with leaving
I feel at peace somehow.

I turn and head towards the light
the star that’s come for me
that offers warmth and comfort
no more pain or misery.

I step into the brightness
and take an outstretched hand
my soul feels light and welcomed
as, with a sense of pride, I stand.