I remember the Christmas of my childhood
filled with pain and sorrow, pickled in alcohol
the frightened girl that was me, biting nails
scampering around to create
a Christmas like the ones on TV
With time and faith I left that place
ventured far north to study
return I would for the holidays
the house of dysfunction and curse
As I whirled around the sun
I learned to create my fun
braved the process of healing and growth
babies of my own soon graced my home
life mattered like never before
Through the years
Christmas pain fled
created traditions of my own
developed a family of friends who are always there
my children never leave me alone
This Christmas we feast with friends
home filled with music and mirth
I've come a long way from my childhood
and stay away from the home of my birth
12/25/98
© Sue Nosker
