Christmas Cards

At this time of year as cards start arriving
And into old address books we find ourselves diving
We reflect on friends and family no longer here
So many crossings out - we shed the odd tear.

Cards come from loved ones and strangers we met
On one holiday or another, some we'd rather forget
But we send a card back, like many years before
We'd be horrified if - they appeared at our door.

Some cards make us smile, when the hand writing we know
And just opening the envelope gives us a glow
Other cards arrive unstuck with a second class stamp
And smell all musty and sometimes are damp.

Left over from last year, of that there's no doubt
And the message won't be anything to shout about
'Why bother' you think, I'm not top of your list
And a card from you I wouldn't have missed.

Many people just sign them, as if in a rush
With no love or kisses, no chance of a blush!
Other miserable devils send the smallest card of all
They look odd with the rest when they're put on the wall.

Then the cheapskates appear with a card in their hand
The season of goodwill, they'll never understand
They say 'I've brought your card, as I was just passing by'
But you know exactly what they're trying to imply.

The best cards of all are the ones with a letter
And oodles of happiness, ah, that's much better
The love from these cards in bundles will flow
As you read them again, and get the same glow.

People are all different, it's what makes the world go round
And we'll send the cards again, next Christmas, I'll be bound.

An online exclusive
© Copyright Harriet Blackbury 2005