Memories at Christmas

The rain whispers soft on the roof
in words I can't quite hear,
as if they held a message from
someone no longer here.

The lights twinkle upon the tree
to cheer my weary heart
and remind me I'm not alone
though we are now apart.

There's joy and sorrow in the night,
and love lingers there, too.
It may be just a memory,
but it will see me through.

Sweet Dreams

I feel the dark night settle in.
The winter, cold and still,
has drawn a frosted filigree
on window pane and sill.
Each star is clear and crystalline
within the night's deep chill,
and restless dreams are held at bay
by little more than will.

I know that it is early yet
to turn my thoughts to bed,
and there are plans for tomorrow
that I should make instead,
but it is thoughts of flannel sheets
that clutter up my head.
Though I may still be sitting here,
my mind has gone ahead.

So let me say good night to you,
I pray your dreams are sweet,
but I must go and join my thoughts
beneath a flannel sheet!