It takes me back...

Scents of cinnamon and apples,

baked and now cooling,

drifts through the open window

to greet friends and strangers alike.

A dusting of snow

decorates the towering spruce,

bracketing the cozy home,

crackling fire to warm tingling cheeks.

Tables groan with dishes,

filled with childhood memories,

the guests have arrived,

the turkey carved and served.

Lights sparkle between boughs,

gifts in pretty wrapping,

stockings full of wonder,

families laugh and remember days past.

Books and fluffy blankets,

comfort on chilly days,

the winter wind howling,

fighting smoke from the chimney.

Strolling on snowladen paths,

under dark cloudless skies,

splatters of sparkling lights,

wishes said as stardust falls.

Delicate flowers burst from

their shroud of spring ice,

heralding a new season,

bright riot colour to come.

The warmth of summer,

infused in white sheets,

soft and sparkling clean,

snapped dry in the breeze.

Cooling nights a herald,

the return of autumn,

inviting the question,

how many more remain.

The passage of days,

we have so few,

our heart sings out,

reliving the warmth of memory.