CHRISTMAS DAY

When they've gone away
Those who came but not to stay
On Christmas Day
I think of you.

You'd be about, in and out
But home to sleep. and to speak
Of things to do, those you knew
To kiss my lips, to laugh
Perhaps cry, and sit with me a little while
Secrets tell, some withheld —
But just the rushing of your ways
Was enough to fill my days
With hidden thoughts and secret dreams
Just for vou.
              © Helen Catherine Cramer
                     26^th December 1981