He thought

All I want is here

the tree that reaches the ceiling:

with the decorations the boy had helped hang

and the lights he could reach

to pull off

He thought

I hope they like my gifts

the presents beneath the low branches:

with the labels that the girls had turned over

and peeped at to see

which was theirs

He thought

I am alone with Christmas

the many years of trees held his mind:

he felt a little hand on the inside of his arm

slide softly down to his hand

and grip his finger

He thought

All I want is here

the family warmth surrounded his soul:

he knelt to see his grandson reach out his hand

for the low looped string of lights

and smile mischievously