Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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

4 comments:

  1. I'm all for nostalgia at Christmas! Thanks for stopping by my blog too.

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  2. smiles...each little ornament does have a story...i can tell most of them from our tree...smiles on the angels earning their wings....and one day may we see them once again...

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  3. Lovely poem and tree..always nice when an angel earns wings..makes me want to listen for bells...

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  4. With christmas tree we not only hang decorations but our emotions and memories too:)

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Thank you for reading my poetry and sharing your thoughts.