O Tannenbaum

Through the years we all will be together,

if the fates allow…

The beads are hung, the garland strung

the candles glowing bright—

"Babcia"

our family comes together

to trim the tree tonight.

Unpacking very carefully

the treasures we’ve collected;

some fragile from the wear of years—

wrapped gently and protected.

Each piece has a tale to tell

the brass one from your dad;

the embroidered one your mother made,

a soft cloth bear in plaid…

a Beleek plate from Ireland,

those tiny leprechauns;

my little Polish babcia—

blue gingham kerchief on…

a painted seashell from the Cape,

a jingle bell or two—

in case an angel “earns its wings”

...this year, there’s been a few.

Each piece becomes memory

recalling loved ones gone,

and so we gaze upon the tree

and know their love lives on.

© Ginny Brannan 2013        

Brannan tree 2013

Forgive my lapse into simple rhyme--I tend to wax nostalgic this time of year. True though, the memories. The Polish "babcia" (grandmother) ornament, a favorite of mine,  was gift from my dear Aunt Helen. Remembering some of the 'angels' that earned their wings this year: Aunt Helen Sak; cousin Patti Unaitis; neighbor Donald LaPointe; childhood neighbor & friend’s dad, Clayton 'Gris' Griswold; my dearest sister-in-law Susan Brannan