The rusted tool chest on wheels now
a silent reminder of childhood wonder
when in mystery it did appear as
the night spread before us and sleep
a distant presence wrapped
in the excitement of holiday magic
we were sent to bed you and I
to await the morning’s sunrise
but I was vigilant and
so were you
as I listened to laughter seeping
beneath the door I smelled the
familiar scent of cigarette smoke
unfurling
from the neighbor who often was seen
visiting but it was late at night….and
I knew something or someone was about
as I saw you quietly push the door
to opening
I wanted to know if the gossip was true
that there was no Santa or St Nicholas
who would magically appear for
wishes come true
as we peeked carefully into the living room
it was mother who busied herself there
with the wonder of
holiday gifts
and fare
a shiny red tool box on wheels she moved
beside the tree as she smiled
with care
© October 2017 Renee Espriu
This is in response to Jamie Dede’s Wednesday Writing Prompt. Read more at https://jamiededes.com/2017/10/18/the-scent-of-maamoul-a-poem-and-your-wednesday-writing-prompt. The photo below was taken from the Morgue File and digitally altered by myself.
reneejustturtleflight.com 
A lovely, nostalgic poem, Renee…charming memories. Puts me in the mood for the holidays already. Thank you – it made me smile. đŸ™‚
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Each time I see the rusty toolbox on wheels setting out in the garage when I visit dad I am reminded of all that happened. I think my brother and I felt we were quite clever. đŸ™‚
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It’s cool that your dad still has that toolbox!
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He does but with his dementia rarely notices it is there. Still, that it is and has all the old tools inside is something.
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I’m sorry your dad has dementia. My mom had Alzheimer’s so I know how hard it is.
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It is expressly hard on my younger sister, who at age 61, works full time, sees to dad and is supportive of her only daughter in college. She has a lady come in several times a week to get him out walking so that is her time of less worry. He lives in CA and her with him in the house we grew up in. I see him next month just before his 94th BD. đŸ™‚
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I remember now you mentioning your sister in CA, and your dad. Hope she can get more help as the disease progresses. My mom eventually needed round the clock care…
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Renee, this is beautifully written. I remember as a child wondering about Santa as well – but my parents were very strict and none of us would have dared to creep into the living room before 4 am – the time we were allowed to. So everything was in place by then, and it was amazing. With a family of 9, it was the one time of year nobody fought and when the room was filled with gifts. So fun đŸ˜‰ Great write.
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Thank you Bela! I am catching up on comments and missed this one. My brother and I were being naughty but mother was watching so it did not last long. It was the only time we ventured out.
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oh I really enjoyed reading this Brings me right back Just surprised that you mentioned St Nicholas as I thought he is only known in european regions
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Thank you Marja. Sorry for the lateness of my reply. I do hope you had a lovely holiday with your family. Be well.
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