Just for Christmas

‘It’s only for over Christmas,’ said

The son to his father there,

And watched as the old man’s shoulders hunched

As he painfully mounted the stair,

‘It’s just for the festive season while

The house will be full of kin,

We’re going to need your bedroom if

We’re going to fit them in.

‘I’ll pick you up when the New Year dawns,

My promise is set in stone,

On the first or second of January

Expect me to bring you home.’

But the old man merely paused and turned,

The set of his mouth was grim,

‘You don’t need to make me promises,

I know I’m not wanted, Tim.’

And Tim would have said that wasn’t true

But he had to heed his wife,

She’d said it was him or her would leave,

And her words cut like a knife,

‘I’m always the one to wash and clean,

To cook, and pick up his mess,

He has to be gone by Christmas John,

I’ll not put up with less.’

So early the morning of Christmas Eve

The son had packed a case,

And helped his father into the car

To head for the old folks place,

‘It’s lucky your mother’s dead, my son,

You’d tear us both apart,

How do you think your Mum would feel,

I think you’d break her heart.’

And tears had run down the father’s cheek,

And also down the son’s,

Tim said, ‘Look Dad, I am sorry but

There’s nothing to be done.

I’ve said I’m coming to pick you up

So what more can I say?’

‘I thought to be spending my Christmas

With my son, on Christmas Day.’

The car pulled up at the iron gate 

And the son had forced a smile,

‘It won’t be long and with Christmas gone

It will just be a little while,’

He carried his case inside for him 

And he turned to say goodbye,

When muttering ‘Merry Christmas, Dad,’

The old man answered ‘Why?’

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[Avinash]

Rarely do children reciprocate the love given by parents.

[TPK Stories]

A sad Christmas tale...but great write David...

[D Connolly]

I'm pretty sure I would have let the miserable spouse leave. Who wants someone around who's heartless? It's not an easy choice, but I would have felt better about that one.

[Einstein Noodle]

its not like you to break my heart dear friend :{ this one is right there with the rest of your best in my mind ..the situation is punctuated by putting it in Christmas .. never would have thought of such a thing .. but the sad truth is that too many go to the "home" and are forgotten .. and those grey beards and ladies gather together all alone ..i am so blessed it was not so with my Mom and Dad ..and i have great many memories of their final days spent at our home (my mom) and their home (my dad) .. not everyone is able to do that but we all can make sure we are faithful to visit regularly .. i worked in a nursing home as an aide when going to school to become a RN .. and the loneliness there is undeniable :((( well done says i!
E.

[Valentine]

One of your best although I expected a far worse ending for the old man. For many in these old folks homes it will be a very lonesome Christmas. Have a nice Christmas Mate. Love you. Kathie

[M. L. F.]

OH DEAR .... this one! Right in the heart.... oh oh oh.... Good piece David... This one is so utterly sad... the narrative is wonderful here though! Great work, as usual. Merry Christmas..
..Misty