that first Christmas, gifts were meager

the turkey was not exactly cooked to done

and the side dishes, well from this point

they were not exactly the masterpieces

i sit down to now

the tree was a bit misshapen

i surprised you with an angel for the top

all these years later, still there

carefully stored under her supervision

survivor of each child taught respect

it became a family ceremony 

the next tree had to be finished before returning

the blessing of what women hold precious

each child shared the honor 
of presenting the angel to their mother 
we called it reaching the age of reverence

decorations were a bit simpler, here and there
but true to the season, green and red

as i look out now at the Winter Wonderland

you have created this year
it is the nature of you to remain faithful
to the Spirit, Gift of the Magi
but the most wonderful part in this remembrance

there is something that has never changed

the gratefulness within my heart

when i gaze upon you

what greater honor is there in a man's life

that a gift you gave is held in perpetuity 

in her heart, as the angel mounts her position

she goes from the angel and into my eyes

wearing that Duchenne smile

every Christmas i am reminded

i could not wish for more than that moment
when angels acknowledge one another

3/1/19