I remember your laugh

Bouncing off the walls

Brighter than the lights

That are hung across the tree

I remember before when we would

call and you would pick up

Santa Hat and all

But now the house is empty 

The lights not hung

Gifts not wrapped

They say family is most important

Not the presents 

Not the food

But what happens when that family is lost

What happens when only a few months before

You buried them in the bitter cold

And what happens when you still laugh

You still smile

And you still enjoy

The presents

The food

The joy

What happens when you have moved on

But they’re  still there

Lying underground

What happens when you

Still buy them a gift

Still call

But now no one answers

What happens

Before

After 

_Now_