Christmas in The Room In Blue

putting up the tree
our quiet Blue Room startled
by evergreen splash of sharpness
and redolence of pine

clear lights strung
to hang in spaces
between emerald green
before ornaments of
all shapes and sizes
red and blue
silver gold and glass
Metal ceramic and carved wood
stamped, moulded or handmade
each one a record of our years
of raising family

our sons are laughing
 throwing tinsel on the tree
and on each other
then weaving bright ribbons
through the branches
Old Man Christmas goes on top
instead of angel

the dog grins anxious
her long black tail
knocks things off the table
unused to the excitement
while the cats both lash long tails too
crouching sphinxes
waiting for another tree
to play with
and in
when no one's looking

a stranger passes by the window
looks up smiling at our antics
we smile back but she looks away
embarressed that she spied
while warmth of supper
wafts out from our kitchen
beef and onions
celery and carrots
parsnips and potatoes
simmering slowly rich and thick
for bowlfuls later in the evening

as we move around
our christmas tree
hanging final baubles
hunting for the space to put them in
we touch
hips brush
you glance at me
dark eyes widening
and I think of...

        earlier
        still dark on edge of dawn
        quilts askew
        bed warm
        you pressed against me
        in my arms
        limbs entwined
        softly calling out my name
        your hands clutching
        lips open
        mine upon you
        thoughts full of only you

...and our eldest son says
"Dad, come on"
our younger one jumps in with
"oh my god!"
you're laughing, I'm frowning
the boys are grinning wide
for I cannot keep my love for you
from off my silly face
and then I'm grinning too
for its good to know
our sons both see the love we share
and know how good it is
as we finish final touches on
our christmas tree
in our Room In Blue