I

heard Mike

on the step

drunk as a skunk,

 singing ‘’Jingle bells;’’

                                                                                     Kissing the dog

shouting ‘’Peace

on earth

man!’’

I

saw Bounce

                                                                                             in a box

meowing for help;

                                                                                     tangled in tinsel.

                                                                                         I freed his fur,

stroked his head,

gave him

hugs

I

smelt wine;

hot, spicy.

Chrisrmas turkey,

sizzling and spitting.

Tomato soup

bubbling, bright’

And beer

‘’Cheers!’’

I

tasted

Christmas pud,

deep filled mince pies

raspberry pavlova,

ginger cheesecake

peach trifle;

‘’Yum, yum.’’

Ugh!’’

I

caressed

mother’s face;

she was smiling

but her eyes were moist.

She was pining;

her husband

was long

gone.