Happy Christmas to all

The Top of the Stairs

Yellow shag carpet itches through flannel Christmas pajamas

Unicorn shaped slippers squirm on size seven feet

Waiting.

At the top of the stairs.


Light laughter of Mom and Dad

And the smell coffee float up to tiny noses

Bacon crackles on the stove

“Up on the House top” swells to a close

And then hush descends.

The silence between tracks.

Mom clears her throat.

Waiting.

By stockings filled to bursting.

Little lips are bit, eyes grow wide.

Willing the walls to transform to windows

Waiting

At the top of the stairs

Then it comes,

That sweet release

“Kids!”

And elephants descend,

Tripping over unicorned feet

From the top of the stairs.


What are your Christmas morning memories? Any parents have a new perspective watching your own kids? Do share, and Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

---