Christmas Revisited

Christmas brings to life memories galore,

Of days of practice 

For the Christmas Carols in school,

And the after-school meets, the weekend rehearsals

For Christmas plays at YMCA

Swarms of rich memories - 
Of the short warm days, as well

And the chill winter evenings 
Spent in the thick of friends!

How beautiful

The childhood years

When we could laugh out loud

And grin ear to ear.

It still brings in a smile, 

And an impatient urge 
To rush back to those days

When we'd set out for friends',

Visit neighbours and teachers

With hand-crafted cards, 

And heaps of wishes!

Priceless were those days,
Priceless those bonds,
Priceless the fresh smell 

Of the cakes, 

The nuts and fries,
Such was being home

You'd not bat an eyelid to think

Whether to take a bite!

How I miss Christmas

Where to a friend's home

There was no odd hour,

And to friends heart,

The distance never too long!

The more I think, the more I miss,

The unhindered banter 

Uninhibited, unadulterated 

On endless days!
Naive some might say

How I wish

To live them again,

Be home for Christmas

Spend another lazy afternoon with friends

Where even unspoken words are valued,

Where time doesn't seem to be in a hurry
All that matters are
Unspelt feelings,

Unspoiled joys

A loud hearty laugh, in years

And a warm, friendly banter!

 © Sashikant Mohanty