CHRISTMAS LINDA PART 3 - FROM EVE TO EVE

 

Christmas Eve

 

It was Christmas Eve and the house was decorated for the season

A large fresh cut tree stood in the corner and perfumed the room

Adorned by a myriad of assorted baubles and lights 

Christmas cards of all shapes and sizes adorned every surface

And more hung on bright red and green ribbons from the picture rails

Bright colored Christmas garlands hung gaily criss-crossing the sealing

While outside through a break in the dark clouds

A shaft of week winter sunlight shone through the window

Reflecting off the garlands and painting random patterns on the walls

I sat watching TV in my favorite armchair in the front room

Of the house I shared with my wife and soul mate Linda

The woman I loved more then life itself

Both of us had been married before but Linda was the love of my life

We had spent 30 years apart before we found each other again

When our own Christmas miracle happened 20 years ago

And we have had 20 years of incredible happiness together

We had made good use of the years we had together

To make up for the lost time we were apart

And together we had had the fullest of lives

Christmas had always had particular significance for us

It was our favorite time of year and had always been so

Our most meaningful moments together happened at Christmas time

Finding love together, losing each other, finding each other, marrying each other

That’s why I called her Christmas Linda

We did Christmas big and we relished every moment

We would pack away all the ornaments and pictures

Replacing them with festive decorations we had collected over the years

There would be a houseful on Christmas day and Boxing Day

Sharing the celebration with family and friends

Then we would fly off to the sun for a few weeks

Neither of us could abide the New Years holiday

So we took ourselves away to enjoy each others company

But this year the season held no joy for me

Even James Stewart in “It’s a wonderful life” could not lift my spirits

And the reason for my gloomy disposition

Lay in the next room, where the dining table used to stand

Where we had so many wonderful Christmas dinners

The room full of the happy chatter of good company

The table heaving under the weight of Christmas fare

But in its place now stood a stark and clinical a hospital bed

And laying upon it the most precious thing in my life, Linda

Surrounded by all the paraphernalia of terminal illness

Her once vibrant body riddled with inoperable tumors

Their evil spread consuming her from within

The cancer was to far advanced when it was discovered

And she refused what little treatment there was on offer

She also stubbornly refused to die in hospital or a hospice

Saying she wished to die in our home where she had known such happiness

How could I refuse her that simple wish?

We had a private nurse who sat with her at night and I tended her by day

And I watched her dieing by inches every single day

The cruelest punishment for being so happy

My first wife was taken by cancer

And that was hard enough to bare

It’s always so hard when someone you love suffers

But as much as I loved my first wife and as hard as it was to watch her die

It was nothing compared to the intolerable despair I felt losing Linda

She was not only my wife she was my love, my life,

My soul mate, she was the one

I would sit with her and read to her

Sometimes Dickens, Stephen King or Tom Sharpe

Depending on her frame of mind

On her brighter days she would have me tell her jokes

She always said I was the only one who could make her laugh

Her brown hair with its soft curls had long since turned silver

And the sparkle was only rarely present in her eyes

The laughter that used to play around them replaced by pain

And it was on the morning of that Christmas Eve 

When she told me what she wanted for Christmas

She was always at her best in the morning

But on that morning she was having a good day

After she had eaten breakfast she asked me to pass her jewelry box

It was the very first Christmas gift I gave her

She often told me it was her most precious possession, after me

As I handed it to her she smiled and just for a second

There was a glimpse of her loveliness shinning through the pain

She patted the bed and bad me sit next to her

I sat on the bed next to her and she took my hand

“I have to say this to you today because I’m having a good day and

I don’t know how many good days I’ve got left”

I protested that she was being silly, she squeezed my hand

Then gave me a look which said that I knew she wasn’t

She opened her jewelry box and from a draw within

Took out a neatly folded handkerchief which she carefully unfolded

And inside were a dozen capsules containing her medication

She looked at me with her soulful eyes pleading with me

As the realization of what she was asking sank in I shook my head

On her good days she had salted away some of her medication

Until she now had enough to hasten the end 

She squeezed my hand again and said “Please do this for me”

She didn’t want me to do it there and then

She just wanted me to agree to do it when the time came

But the time would be very soon

“It’s the only gift you can give me this Christmas”

She looked in to my eyes and said

“I love you more than anything in the world

And I know with all my heart that you love me”

I could say nothing as tears welled up in my eyes

“Please do this thing for me” she pleaded

My heart was breaking at the choice I must make

Let her suffer or end her suffering and kill her

I said “I just can’t do it” and I got up and left the room

She didn’t call after me she knew I would be back

With tears streaming down my face I grabbed my coat

And went out the door and went for a walk

The day was cold, grey and damp

And clouds scudded across the December sky

Any hint of the promised sunny intervals was not in evidence

It was the kind of day that chilled you to the bone

But I didn’t feel it at all I just felt numb

You had to be alive to feel the cold and I was dieing inside

I walked for miles under the grey skies

Along the woodland paths we used to walk together

My mind in turmoil my eyes red with tears

If I did what she wanted I would lose her forever

The loss of her would be devastating

But not to let her go would just be selfish

My head was spinning I didn’t know which way to turn

Images of the happy moments together swam in and out of focus

Then as I walked into a clearing in the woods

Where once we had made love on a sultry afternoon

There was a sudden break in the clouds

And the woods were bathed in winter sunshine

And all at once I knew what I must do

When I returned to the house I went straight to her bedside

She was sleeping; so I sat on the chair beside her bed

And rested my head on the bed beside her

Then I felt her hand gently stroking my hair

I sat up and her hand moved to my cheek

I took it in my own and kissed it softly and said

“I’ll do what ever you want me to do”

 

New Years Eve

 

Christmas had past and I was glad of it

It was without doubt the worst Christmas of my life

Full of tears and sadness instead of happiness and laughter

There was no wondrous Christmas feast

No table laden with Christmas delights

No hearty laughter or light hearted banter

Just an endless stream of visitors, friends and family

As cheery as was possible, putting on a brave face

All coming with forced smiles to bring the seasons greetings

But all leaving with tears knowing she would not see the spring

I know I sound ungrateful and I’m not really

But every visit ate into the precious time Linda and I had left

I knew how important it was to Linda to see everyone

Even the doctor called in to make sure she was comfortable

And in between visits I would sit watching the needles dropping from the tree

As if each dropping needle symbolized Linda’s plight

And as I sat alone in my favorite armchair on New Years Eve

Staring at the pine needles scattered beneath the tree

I tried to come to terms with the fact that Linda would die with the old year

Since Christmas Eve when she made her request

Linda had been in good spirits

She had seen everyone in the world that mattered to her

And said all the things she needed to say

So Linda had decided that morning that enough was enough

I tried to remain cheerful for her but she could see through it

“I know you’re hurting too” she said the pain etched in her face

And with that we made our plans for our last day together

I phoned the nurse telling her she should have the night off

To enjoy the celebrations with her family

She was very grateful and accepted my explanation without question

I filled the room with lighted candles and in the flickering light

Linda and I spent the evening together looking at photographs

And reliving the great times of our life together

We played the music that formed the soundtrack of our lives

Then an hour before midnight she handed me the folded handkerchief

I opened it and inside were now close to twenty capsules

One by one I broke them open emptying the contents into a wine glass

I filled the glass with Port and gave it a stir

And I put the glass on the bedside table before sitting on the bed

Then I took her hand and kissed it and lent forward and kissed her mouth

I started to say good bye but she put her hand to my mouth

Then I reached over and picked up the glass

And held it up to her lips and she took a drink

Then a little more and a little more until the glass was empty

I wiped her mouth with the hanky and she burped

And she laughed that wonderful laugh

The candles sputtered and the flames flickered

Then she said “I love you so very much” squeezing my hand

“I love you too” I said as I sat holding her hand in mine

And then we just sat in silence looking at each other until her eyes closed

The Village clock began chiming the hour

Her hand went limp and her breathing became shallow

And then all the pain in her face was suddenly gone

The clock chimed twelve marking the passing of the old year

And also unknowingly marked Linda’s passing 

I don’t know how long I sat there holding her dead hand

With the tears streaming down my face

But as I sat there I knew what had to be done

I poured myself a large whisky and sat in my favorite armchair

Where I wrote a long letter explaining what I had done

And what I was about to do

With the letter written I put it into an envelope

And placed it on the mantelpiece where it would be easily found

Then I drank my whisky and reached into my pocket

And removed the contents placing them on my lap

Then I filled the syringe with the insulin I had stolen from the doctor’s bag

And injected myself with the full syringe

And as my eyes grew heavy I could feel Linda’s hand on my shoulder

And felt her fingers in my hair as I drifted into a coma

And she whispered “I love you” in my ear as my eyes closed

When my eyes opened again I couldn’t believe what I saw

It was a place that was familiar to me and it was snowing

And the street was full of happy smiling people

And there amongst them was Linda larger than life, vivacious and self assured

Covered with snowflakes and laughing

My snow angel, my Christmas Linda

With snow covering her like sugar on a doughnut

Wrapped up against the cold in a woolen hat and coat

And a long knitted scarf draped about her neck

She shook her head and her light brown hair danced about her shoulders

And the snowflakes fell away from her soft curls

Only to be replaced by fresh ones

There was a rosy redness on her cheeks and she was young again

We were both young again and we had gone back 50 years

She threw herself at me and hugged me tightly

I smelled her hair as I held her and was intoxicated by her scent

We were stood at the taxi stand and snow fell onto Linda’s soft curls

We took our place in the queue and we kissed

All too soon a taxi arrived but this time we both got in

And through the winter wonderland we departed this time never to be apart again

A TIME TO REMEMBER

 

It was an unforgettable morning

After the winter sun reluctantly rose

And the new dawn broke gently

To light the frosted landscape

And heralding the holy morn

Bathing cosy homes with light

Awaking children from their repose

As grown-ups wipe sleep away

Or tiredly yield to a yawn

And so the day has begun

Joyful yells and screams ensue

As gifts are opened frantically

Wrappings scattered here and there

It was an unforgettable morning

Though soon enough it became forgot

And as the day progresses

The latest must haves cast aside

Attention turns to the Christmas feast

When eyes are bigger than bellies

And indigestion comes on all

How different to the first morn

When in a strange and distant land

Lit by a star of brightest hue

And sheltered in a humble stable

God lay in human baby form

Watched over by lowly beasts

And shepherds stood in reverent pose

Three travelers from the east

Offered gifts to God made man

So as you enjoy your seasonal repast

Take time and spare a thought

Raise your hearts and a grateful glass

And remember the saviour’s birth

THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER – CHRISTMAS BOOTCAMP (2018)

 

Haley Hanson (Lily Anne Harrison) is a workaholic advertising executive who is keen to land a traditional toy company as a new client, and get a big promotion into the bargain, but when her boss points out that she specializes in social media and all things hip and would not understand the needs of such an old-fashioned business, she reluctantly agrees to attend a Christmas Boot Camp.

The Camp is run by recently widowed Ben (John James) but it’s his son Jeff (Bobby Campo) who contributes most to helping her to remember what makes the holidays so special and restore her Christmas cheer.

FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG # 5 - Christmas Wrapping

 

Despite the general awfulness of the Christmas song there are however always exceptions to the rule and I have a short list of personal favorites.

Without exception all my choices not only include the song but the best performer of that song and so in no particular order here is my fifth selection.

 

“Christmas Wrapping” Written By Chris Butler Performed By The Waitresses

 

"Bah, humbug!" No, that's too strong
'Cause it is my favorite holiday
But all this year's been a busy blur
Don't think I have the energy

To add to my already mad rush
Just 'cause it's 'tis the season.
The perfect gift for me would be
Completions and connections left from

Last year, ski shop,
Encounter, most interesting.
Had his number but never the time
Most of '81 passed along those lines.

So deck those halls, trim those trees
Raise up cups of Christmas cheer,
I just need to catch my breath,
Christmas by myself this year.

Calendar picture, frozen landscape,
Chilled this room for twenty-four days,
Evergreens, sparkling snow
Get this winter over with!

Flashback to springtime, saw him again,
Would've been good to go for lunch,
Couldn't agree when we were both free,
We tried, we said we'd keep in touch.

Didn't, of course, 'til summertime,
Out to the beach to his boat could I join him?
No, this time it was me,
Sunburn in the third degree.

Now the calendar's just one page
And, of course, I am excited
Tonight's the night, but I've set my mind
Not to do too much about it.

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.

Hardly dashing through the snow
Cause I bundled up too tight
Last minute have-to-do's
A few cards a few calls
'Cause it's r-s-v-p
No thanks, no party lights
It's Christmas Eve, gonna relax
Turned down all of my invites.

Last fall I had a night to myself,
Same guy called, halloween party,
Waited all night for him to show,
This time his car wouldn't go,

Forget it, it's cold, it's getting late,
Trudge on home to celebrate
In a quiet way, unwind
Doing Christmas right this time.

A&P has provided me
With the world's smallest turkey
Already in the oven, nice and hot
Oh damn! Guess what I forgot?

So on with the boots, back out in the snow
To the only all-night grocery,
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
In the line is that guy I've been chasing all year!

"I'm spending this one alone," he said.
"Need a break; this year's been crazy."
I said, "Me too, but why are you?
You mean you forgot cranberries too?"

Then suddenly we laughed and laughed
Caught on to what was happening
That Christmas magic's brought this tale
To a very happy ending! "

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Couldn't miss this one this year!
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Couldn't miss this one this year!

CHRISTMAS LINDA PART 2 - ONE SPECIAL NIGHT

 

I found myself stranded in a strange town

With less than a week to go before Christmas

Stranded two hundred miles from home

With a seriously ill car in the garage

And a lack of will to contemplate train travel

In truth I was in no hurry to return home

To the empty soulless house that once was home

But now held no comfort for me

My wife of twenty-five years had died a year before

Finally losing her battle with cancer

And my children were all grown up now

With homes and families of their own

The house would be full at Christmas

Full of noise and hustle and bustle,

And the usual mix of love, laughter and tears

But for now it was cold and empty

So I booked into a hotel for the weekend

And I would drive home on Monday

So finding myself in a strange town

Just a few days before Christmas

And with more than a little time to kill

I decided I could fill part of my day

By doing some last-minute Christmas shopping

As I stepped out of the Hotel I shivered

The day was cold, grey and damp

And clouds scudded across the December sky

It was the kind of day that chilled you to the bone

I made my way towards the high street

It was only a five-minute walk

The receptionist assured me with a smile

As she jotted down some brief directions

In an effort to warm myself up

I walked briskly following her directions

Down the narrow almost Dickensian lanes and ally ways

Passing picturesque Victorian and Tudor buildings, well mock Tudor

As I went and it was indeed five minutes when I emerged

Onto the busy cobbled pedestrianized high street

It was a curious mixture of ancient and modern

At one end of the street a Norman church was visible

And at the other was what appeared to be a municipal building

With rather pretentious Georgian columns

There was still evidence of a row of Edwardian shop fronts

But much of the street was modern

With a little too much sixties influence to be easy on the eye

The street was criss-crossed along the full length

With festive lights and decorations

Which did there best to brighten the scene

I decided to familiarize my self with what the town had to offer

In the way of shops so I turned left and joined the throng of shoppers

Faces gloomy to match the weather

And headed towards the Georgian pillared building

This turned out to be the public library

As I dodged between the Christmas Lemmings

I made a mental note of shops I would return to

My progress was hampered by erratic shoppers

Who moved it appeared independently to any logic

Some seemed to zigzag everywhere and very few possessed

The ability to walk in a straight line for more than a few paces

And others would take a few steps then stop for no apparent reason

Then after a few moments pause carry on normally in the same direction

The sound of cheery Christmas songs and carols

Could be heard from every shop I passed

Though the cheeriness of the music

Was clearly not reflected on the faces

Of the shoppers going in and out of them

As I passed one shop Noddy Holder screamed “it’s Christmas”

Just in case any of the reluctant shoppers were in any doubt

When I reached the other end of the high street

Where the church stood there was a little square

Which I wasn’t able to see before

In the centre of which was the war memorial

And to its left was a magnificent Christmas tree

Covered in baubles and adorned by a beautiful angel

Assembled around the tree was the Salvation Army band

I took a few moments to admire the tree and listen to the band

And I was taken back to a distant time and place

The clock chimed and I was brought back to the present

I took a few more moments while I decided on my first port of call

Not realizing just how important a decision it was

I decided on Woolworths, always a favorite of mine at Christmas

But it also happened to be the closest

So I walked towards the store and pushed open the door

As I entered I paused to hold the door open for a woman coming the other way

I waited as she put her purse away into a huge handbag

And I wondered what I would get for my trouble

I had found the older I got the less women appreciated courtesy

The simple act of holding open a door could provoke a range of responses

A smile, a thank you, a nod, a sneer, a tut or a colorful mouth full of abuse

And you couldn’t always tell who was going to do what

When she had finished fiddling and securing her bag

She moved to step through the open door

As she passed me she looked up said “Thank you” and smiled broadly

And then she stopped as I returned her smile and then I just stood there

Both of us stood motionless as slowly the recognition set in

We both stood there dumbstruck not believing our eyes

I’m not sure how long for but long enough for a queue to form behind each of us

We both blushed and excused ourselves

And stepped out onto the street away from the door

Neither of us knew what to say I couldn’t believe it was Linda

Who I last saw 30 years before being driven off in a taxi

Disappearing off through the snow

With her palm pressed against the glass her neck craned to keep sight of me

And here she stood before me as beautiful as ever she was

The soft curls of her brown hair still danced on her shoulders

Yet with fine strands of silver threaded thru it

Her smile was still able to melt my heart even after all those years

Her smiling eyes still had the same sparkle

The years had been kind to her and too me much less so

I was still fumbling for the words to say as I studied her

When she reached up and hugged my neck

Kissing my cheek at the same time

And spoke softly in my ear “Paul, Is it really you?”

I simply said yes and we stood in that long comfortable embrace

I don’t know how long we stood there not wanting to let go

Then as she relaxed her grip and I kissed her forehead

“It’s so good too see you” I said feebly

She put her head on my chest, squeezed me and sighed

Then released her grip and pulled away slightly

And put her hand up to my cheek and caressed my grey beard

“Do you have time for coffee”? She said almost pleadingly

I said of course and she put her arm through mine and led me across the high street

Asking quick fire questions as we went

And I explained about my car breaking down

And that I was staying at the Cromwell hotel

She said “oh really” and “oh dear” delighting in my misfortune

We sat on a large comfortable sofa in Starbucks

And told the tales of our lives spent apart

Throughout I looked at her with adoring eyes

Pinching myself expecting to awake from a dream

As I had done so very may times before

I told her about my wife and children

She told me of her marriage and subsequent divorce

The good man I gave her up for turned out to be a violent drunk

She had no children which although unsaid was clearly a regret

With the aid of several cups of coffee we managed to talk away the entire morning

I suggested we might spend the day together

And have dinner together at the hotel

She accepted the invitation to dinner with a delightful smile

Then she looked at her watch and suddenly jumped up

“Look at the time, I have to go” she flustered

She said she had a prior commitment

“Lunch with mum” she said rather unconvincingly

She said it was something she couldn’t get out of

As I helped her back into her coat the smell of her hair

Evoked memories of our past embraces

She fished out her mobile phone as we left the coffee shop

From her huge handbag and we exchanged phone numbers

And we firmed up the details for the evening

Then with a hug and a kiss she was off

I stood and watched her walk away her coat tails swishing behind her

She stopped briefly and turned to give me a smile and a wave

Then with the phone to her ear she hurried off again talking animatedly

I stood watching until she disappeared from sight

Then I went back to my Christmas shopping

And treated myself to a new shirt for the evening

I bought the gifts I was looking for and paper, tags, cards etc

And with all my shopping complete I returned to the hotel for lunch

The rest of the day seemed intolerably long

In an effort to kill some time I went for a swim

Used the gym, went for a walk

I got a haircut even though I didn’t need one

I even wrapped the Christmas presents I had bought

But the time passed so interminably slowly

I walked into the hotel bar at 7 o’clock an hour early

Partly for some Dutch courage and in part because I had run out of things to do

I ordered a drink and then sat at the bar

Even though I wasn’t expecting her until eight

Every time the door opened I turned to look for her

And when it wasn’t her self doubt crept in

And with every false alarm the doubts got worse

What if she doesn’t come?

What if she changed her mind?

What if she never intended to come?

What if? What if? What if?

Then at a quarter to the hour the door opened and there she was

There she stood wearing a simple black knee length dress

Black tights or stockings and four-inch stiletto shoes

Her legs as shapely as I remembered them

And in one hand she held a black leather clutch bag

Her face looked a little anxious until I stood up

And then it lit up in the most radiant smile

Then she walked towards me

Almost tottering on her heels and she laughed

I took her hand as she climbed onto a stool

And kissed her cheek the fragrance of her perfume was intoxicating

Going straight to my head like a strong spirit

The combination of her scent and my desire for her almost made me swoon

I ordered her a drink and we nervously made small talk

Like two strangers on a blind date

Until the waitress led us through to the restaurant

Once we were seated at our table

I asked her how her lunch with mum went

And she blushed the deepest red

She told me the lunch date was a little white lie

Because she needed the afternoon to get ready

And the animated phone call was to her sister

To rally the troops to get her presentable

We both laughed and any awkwardness was gone

We talked with such an easy familiarity

As if her departing taxi had only been a week ago

By the time we had finished our coffee the restaurant was empty

Except for us and a weary waitress waiting to clear our table

The evening seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye

And had all too soon come to an end

We got up and made our apologies

Linda went through the door to the ladies and I settled the bill

I said good night and had made my apologies again

Then went in search of Linda through the same door she had used

I found her standing by the Christmas tree

She had retrieved her coat and scarf from the cloakroom

Which were draped over one arm her bag was in her hand

Linda stood with her back to me gazing out of the window

She could see my reflection in the glass and smiled

I gasped at the beauty of her and pinched myself again

I wanted to kiss her so much but I was afraid 

Afraid to break the magic of that special kiss

That perfect moment when we kissed in the snow

All those years ago when I let her slip from my grasp

For 30 years I had revered that moment

Relived it whenever I felt a snowflake on my skin

Or stood in a taxi queue on a winters night

Or when I hear the Salvation Army play

Or when the snow falls during Christmas time

For 30 years I had wanted to be back there holding her in the snow

And here I stood a few steps away and I was hesitant

As if sensing my turmoil she turned away from the window

And I took those few steps to face her

We stood for a few moments just looking at each other

Then she smiled her most heart melting smile  

As she caressed my cheek then she pulled me to her

And kissed me gently on the lips, a tender and sensitive kiss

When our lips met electricity ran down my spine

And it was as if we were young again

Our lips parted for a second then met again

And her kiss became more intense, more passionate

Her coat, scarf and bag fell to the floor as our arms enveloped each other

We stood locked in our passionate embrace as the tree lights twinkled

Then she pulled away for a moment before burying her face in my neck

And spoke softly in my ear “you see that was as good as the first time”

How could I have doubted it would not be perfect?

I slid my fingers beneath her hair caressing her nape

And gently turned her head so I could kiss her sweet lips again

This time when we disengaged she put her head on my chest

Still holding on to me so tightly

I kissed the top of her head and smelled her hair

I didn’t want to let her go, and then I said “please stay”

“I can’t watch you disappear from my life in another taxi”

She lifted her head and looked at me and said

“I’m not letting you go again, not now not ever”

Then she smiled at me coyly and blushed like a virgin

And buried her face in my chest again

Then she scooped up her coat, scarf and bag from the floor

Took my hand and we walked in silence to my room

Outside the room she looked into my eyes and kissed my mouth

Then I opened the door and let her walk inside

She dropped her coat and bag onto a chair and turned to face me

Reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck

And whispered in my ear “I never stopped loving you”

My arms enfolded her and pulled her to me tightly

Then we kissed at first soft and tender then more urgently

And I began to un-wrap my most special Christmas gift

Wrapped in lace and silk instead of paper and ribbon

Caressing her body from neck to Lacy stocking top

And our love was at last made absolute

When our act of love was complete and our dreams realized

We lay holding each other in the afterglow

Silently content until we drifted off to sleep

I awoke to find her stood silhouetted against the window

Gazing out wearing my shirt to cover her nakedness

She turned her head to me and said “it’s snowing”

I slipped out of bed joined her at the window

Standing behind her and enveloping her in my arms

We watched as the snow settled on the courtyard

She hugged my arms and said “How perfect is that”?

Both of us thinking back to the last time we enjoyed the snowfall together

We stood for a few minutes taking in the snowy scene

Then she inclined her head so I could kiss her

When my hands moved from her soft belly and cupped her breasts

She led me back to the bed and we made love again

I woke early and lay in the half light and held Linda’s sleeping form in my arms

As I lay there I thought how good the fates had been to us

If my car hadn’t broken down, and had I not rejected the idea of taking the train

I would not have been shopping on that cold grey morning

I thought about the moments I spent admiring that tree in the square

And listening to the Salvation Army band

And what thought processes made me do what I did

Was it destiny that I chose Woolworths at that very moment or just blind luck?

All I knew was that 24 hours before my life had been so empty

And now it was full and I was finally with my soul mate

Linda was in my life at last and I wanted her never to leave it again

But if fate decreed that this one special night

Was all we could have I would have to be content

SHOP EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS

 

It was Christmas eve at the magistrate’s court

And the Magistrate was in charitable mood

And In keeping with the season

Was inclined to show a little latitude

"Now then, what is the charge against you?" 

He asked the unfortunate prisoner

The man in the dock replied

"I was caught Christmas shopping very early sir"

"That doesn't seem like an offence to me.

What do you mean by “very early” man”?

"Well, your Honour." said the defendant,

"It was an hour before the shop was open."