It seems to start earlier every year,

as pumpkins are sold next to Santas.

Glittery ornaments everywhere,

gift sets, tinsel and Grinches abound.

The weather gets colder – hats, gloves and scarves,

packets of cards bought and scribbled,

trees, baubles and lights –

bigger every year.

The gifts, the treats, the cake and wine,

movies and shows designed to distract.

Noise – heard and seen.

A pause.               I need to pause.

A need to remember.

A need to say.

I know you, I remember you.

I think of you.

Today and all days.

My Lord, my Christ,

Amid the glitter, the lights and the noise,

I haven’t forgotten you.

A video version of the poem can be found here: