He stands across the room
A backlit twinkle in his eyes,
with a glow in his cheeks of polyethylene

Memories rushing forward
of dearest family and friends
Most are still here with me
but too many have departed

The specter of Christmas Past visits,
trying to haunt my thoughts
Despite the spirit’s best efforts
and winter so grey and unrelenting
I am not saddened by their absence

The company of Light-Up Santa
assures that I will still feel
those I’ve lost again
like toes warmed by the fire

Their good memories are permanent
like the smile on the face
of my red plastic Santa