To Absent Ones At Christmas

To Absent Ones At Christmas – By Author & Poet Tom Ryan

We shall not, in drawing up to the red-coaled fire
In a profusion of spirits in the hollied room,
Your presence dishonour with forgetfulness,
But rather shall we in music and wine
And in the memory of another place and happy time,
Toast you, our absent ones.

Nor as the carols reach to the Christmas stars
In praise of the glorious grandeur of the world,
Nor as children’s voices herald a new awakening,
Shall we forget the warmth
Of a time of togetherness,
But in a quiet prayer, pure as snow crystals,
Give thanks for what you were to our hearts
For what you’ll ever be
Unto the last Yuletide.

So, in a good spirit,
Glad for the plenty and the peace,
Joyous for our family and our friends.
With all the people of the earth
And in our merriment and mirth
We do remember you, our dear and absent ones.

Tom Ryan, “Iona”, Rahealty, Thurles. Co. Tipperary, Republic of Ireland.
From “Cherry Blossoms” by Tom Ryan.