I remember
sticky sap and sharp needles,
bending wires for ornaments,
and bubbly lights.
I remember you
picking up our angel
and lifting her high, higher
and higher still.
I remember
handmade stockings filled with nuts
pushed aside for sweeter treats
like Snickers Bars.
I remember you
there on the living room floor
slapping on neon bracelets,
singing so loud.
I remember
cold breaths slipping from my lips,
unfurling cigarette smoke,
gentle and soft.
I remember you
telling me I should not smoke,
it’ll make a hole in my neck
that’s just like hers.
I remember
failed snowmen caked with mud,
dripping dignity and rocks
around the door.
I remember you
picking splinters from your feet
tweezing out the strands of wood
that formed the floor
formed the tree
that held the house
that held the memories
that I can’t forget
and can’t seem to remember.
The way it was
was not so clean,
not so happy,
not so perfect.
But it was for us.
One reply on “Christmas Memories of my Sister”
That’s beautiful, Kate.