It was Christmas Eve
The halls were decked
with shadows of sadness
My mother lay faraway
Dying in a room close by
Oblivious of our glorious tree
I longed for her presence
Her absence would be like
The Holiday without hope
I needed to include her one
last time in family festivities
My love was expressed by
placing a soft pink sweater
in a colorful bag picturing
Santa’s sled flying to the stars
Gifts were joyfully being shared
When she miraculously left her bed
It was like a sunrise at midnight
Briefly, her old self materialized
Happy with her gift which she
wore until four days later when
She flew far away just like Santa
I imagine her as a glowing pink Spirit
Swirling high overhead showering
Gifts of loving strength upon us all