My third Christmas,
Dad pulled the armchair
in front of the tree.
I sat on Mother’s lap
with my favorite book.
Her gold crepe dressing gown
had fake leopard lapels.
I wore a nightie with flounces
and ribbons. Dad set up
the tripod and flood lights,
focused the Argus C-3.
Mother began to read.
I nestled so close
I could hear her heartbeat.
She got to the part,
“More rapid than eagles
his coursers they came,…”
Dad had his shot,
turned the flood lights off.
Mother shut the book,
nudged me off her lap.
– Sarah Russell
First published in Vita Brevis
Photo Source
What a lovely little scene. It captures a spirit much larger than itself, evoking all the nostalgia of my first Christmas mornings. Great work, Sarah.
LikeLike
Thanks a lot, Ryan.
LikeLike
Odd that Ryan found this to be a lovely little scene. I found it quite chilling in its sadness. Heart-breaking, Sarah.
LikeLike
Thanks, Kati. Yes, you got the intention…
LikeLike
Interesting… I guess I read it as more of a “Okay we’ve got this contrived footage for the sake of memory–now let’s get back to unwrapping presents, etc.” type of ending. Perhaps I read too much of my own experience into it. The sadness is certainly there. Anyway…
LikeLike
No worries, Ryan. Everyone reads their own experience into any poem they read. And your interpretation is as good as any. I went out to photo websites to find a photo for the poem since I have about a thousand slides from childhood to go through, and there sure are a bunch of those “let’s poise quick and get on with the presents” (many very funny) pictures.
LikeLike
Haha, yes, I know those kinds of photos well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess that’s life. I would have preferred she finish the reading. Apt slce of life, however. Did you experience any regret?
LikeLike
Thanks for reading, Nan. No regret from me. I was the child. Different agendas, I guess. I thought she was reading me a story. She thought they were taking a picture…
LikeLike
oh, that is such an abrupt turn around and a sad ending –
LikeLike
Thanks, Beth. One of my earliest memories. Weird how those stick, isn’t it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is –
LikeLiked by 1 person