On top of a hill
Under spreading Maple trees
So many stones there

Old four-bedroom house
Old cast iron kitchen stove
Careful with the match

Freedom to wander
Exploring nature’s bounty
Climbing trees for fun

Found a hiding place
Ghost stories in the attic
Cobwebs in my hair

Quiet daddy’s sleeping
No piano practice now
Go outside and play

Grandma comes to stay
Bringing presents in her trunk
New dresses for school

Magic in the wind
Sleigh bells jingle in the night
Reindeer on the roof



by Diane E. Dockum
© March 28, 2023
for Marble Hill Press, April 2, 2023