Sitting in a chair
watching the door for days
turkey smells are old
something in her memory plays
closets all are opened
every ornament has a place
this big house is empty
ghosts in too many a space
Sitting in a chair
she ticks the number of gifts
her grandchildren are grown
more often she forgets
eggnog fills the frig
the doctor doesn’t need to know
one person who likes fruitcake
welcomes flurries of snow
Sitting in a chair
my children come over to bake
bringing Christmas cheer
tho family will arrive very late
no matter how much money he left
he couldn’t promise her a wreath
their children have their lives
big house brings lonely grief
on Christmas Eve we hope
the family will arrive
we done our best with festive
and their mother’s still alive
I spent so many years carrying for the elderly and one thing is consistent: they wait looking at the door like a forlorn dog. Some family shows up (eventually) others send a card or plant in their stead. There are edges to Christmas that are sad and lonely. If you have the ability to spill a little light into another’s holiday – Please Do!!!
penned in moon dust 
Beautifully written and so sad….So happy my mom spends every holiday with us. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Oh Leslie, you have nailed the lonely Christmases of so many elderly. My grandma used to begin waiting right after breakfast for family to pick her up for a weekend supper. Her hat would be on, her coat and cane ready on the bed and she would sit staring at the door for hours and hours………
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So much behind for the elderly so little to look forward to…
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A strong message and reminder for those of us who are younger…
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A powerful much needed message.
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Thanks Joseph – I am grateful our God never leaves us to wait by a door
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Amen!
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A strong message and a powerful read. I have a few plans involving homeless and orphan guys.
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Great to hear – always someone to help 🙂
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It is sad how many elderly spend this season alone…but many of their days are spent that way.
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Astonishingly, it’s so true. I live in Florida. It’s a state known for retirees. The elderly are sadly forgotten and left behind in the rush of getting the American Dream. Well written …. Well said ..!!!!
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This is a haunting photograph, and I feel like you are inside her head. Excellent poem.
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