CHRISTMAS AWAY FROM HOME. IT’S WHERE MY LIFE IS NOW
The tree still twinkles 
The kids still wake at dawn
With excited whispers eyes aglow
“Has Santa Come?”
As I did myself in times long gone
A sun drenched barbecue
on Cottesloe Beach
Waiters gliding
Trays shoulder high
Serving chilled beer and fancy wines
It’s where my life is now
But it’s hard to beat
The table set with Christmas faire
At home
And the turkey basted and brown
Filling the house with its mouth watering
Promise of pleasures to come
And the call
Say a mouthful of prayers
As Church bells sing in the midnight air
And the quiet entrance
Back into the house
Granny has come for the holidays
“Not a sound,” I touch my lips and say
As the dog’s tail wags to welcome me
It’s what my live was then
The embers glowing low
Casting warm shadows on the disarray of
Presents beneath the tree
A gentle shake to check
Can I make a guess of what’s inside/
A sneaky slice off the cooling bird
A quiet step
a rebuke from behind
“Leave that be,” The offer of a cup of tea
A quiet time – just mum and me
Then off to bed to dreamless sleep
It’s what my life was then
Heaped plates passed from hand to hand
Gathered round the table as one
The Queen’s speck a distant hum
As fit to burst sleep overcomes
It’s what my life was then
Cheer! The cry rings out glasses raised
I’m back again on Cottesloe’s golden beach
The gathered immigrants raise their glasses in style
As they sip their drink and think
It’s not home
But it’s where my life is now
A swim before we go for ice-cream I smile
Extending my hand to my partner and child
Then I’ll Skype. Wish my family
And friends a happy Christmas time
Miss you here I’ll hear them say
Next year home for Christmas,” I’ll say faithfully
Hiding my longing with a smile
Tell everyone we send our love
And wish them all a Happy New Year.
I sign off and think
It’s not like home here at Christmas time
The birth Day of Christ
Breaks in sunshine
But it’s where my life is now.
Gemma Hill Writeyou Writeme 