Every year, my family visits my Grandma in Iowa around Christmas. Last year, I came down with a debilitating illness the morning we were supposed to leave, and I spent what I believed was my “last (Iowa) Christmas of childhood” alone, contagious, back home. This was, if you can believe it, not good for my mental health. During one particular night, I wrote this poem. Enjoy.
I can still recall the last time I heard the bells ring
And your face lit up with what the New Year had to bring
This year I sit at home due to a sickness I can’t explain
The trees on at 4:35
It’s December and there’s rain
Merry Christmas, kid
Merry Christmas, so far
Have a merry Christmas, if you can
Have a merry Christmas, wherever you are
The angels sing on
And the children join, I know
I feel so heavy
There’s been so many years since we had snow
Merry Christmas, kid
Merry Christmas, so far
Have a merry Christmas, if you can
Have a merry Christmas, wherever you are
I’m writing one last letter
One last request to heaven, or Jesus, or Santa Claus
Whoever is listening to the test
Turn back time a year or two
When there were no goodbyes
Bring me home for Christmas one last time
Then mom and dad can downsize
Merry Christmas, kid
Merry Christmas, so far
Have a merry Christmas, if you can
Have a merry Christmas, wherever you are
Have a merry Christmas if you can
Merry Christmas, whoever you are
