Blue X-mas

This year will be nothing like
Those that came before.
There won't be carols
A banquet or gifts
Just vacant space
Where we once talked
Where we once laughed

I call my relatives
In pursuit of a kind word
They aren't familiar with
The distance in my voice

Although they lost him too
They still can find cheer
Why can't I smile like them?

Does my mourning make me broken
Like the antique angel with the cracking face
Atop the Christmas tree?

You watch my every tear
Melting away the snow
You wept with me at the wake
Among the funeral flowers

And though my house is empty
I never was truly alone
For not even the ice
That slickens the porch stairs
Could freeze your heart, my lord
You call to me
In the silence
"Do not be afraid, I am with you."

This poem was written by Sami Martasian, a high school student in North Kingstown, RI.

"Blue X-mas" Copyright © 2007 Sami Martasian. Posted with permission on the Discipleship Ministries's website.