You did without us this Christmas
Waited with bated breath for the packages
That would have to be our hugs and kisses
From seasons past,
The giggles flying back and forth,
Your laughter ringing through
The lights and branches of the tree,
Sledding in the dark up on the hill,
Hot chocolate
And carols sung too loudly.

You did without the squealing of
Your younger siblings at your father’'s house
His bad Christmas jokes
Your older siblings with me and
The traditional candied yams
Made from scratch
And pumpkin pie, a pinch of love
Thrown in like always.

We did without your infectious energy
Waking us all far too early on
Christmas morning with brilliant joy
Singing through rubbing your eyes awake,
Your silly spirit bounding
Down the hallway, sweet siren
Of your little faerie heart and raven hair.

We did without you, our aching hearts,
Made due with the phone call full of
Catching up and the other family who
Took you in to celebrate
Your season away from home.

My little soldier girl,
Growing up in a world we did not make together,
Nor would we ever
Construct such difficulties on purpose.
My soldier girl drinking beer now
In the local pubs and learning the hard way
What not to do with life;
Death and unimaginable suffering all around
You
My sweet girl -
You did without
And I wish it made sense to me
But for now,
I only wish you home and safe
Where you belong.

01/11/2008

Author's Note: Did we ever miss Jessica this Christmas. Jess, we love you my girl!!!!!

Posted on 01/12/2008
Copyright © 2025 Alison McKenzie