Snow Melt

A Silent Night

On "A Silent Night" 
it is my thoughts that count the years between
my Grandmother’s presence
and the years between the memories
of horehound candy
and hot mint tea.

On silent nights
I can hear her joyful laughter
echo from the kitchen
where she prepared Thanksgiving turkey
or baked Christmas pies.

On silent nights
when the chill of winter penetrates my joints
I still see her cleaning the house
in preparation for New Year’s Day
because she couldn’t start the New Year off right
if the house wasn’t clean.

My response to the December 11, 2008 leading entry by katwoman45