Holiday Greeting

Today I happened upon the perfect holiday greeting card,
that says all of the things that I’d like to say to you.  

On the cover read “Happiness and Joy to my best friend,”
with gold letters covering an icy lake, lined with snow covered land and mountains.  

Inside was a gift of One Free Day, to spend with me however you chose.  
It stated that I would be happy with whatever you wanted to do.  

Your gift to me was to let me give this one small gift to you,
to laugh, reminisce, and relax.   To spend the day carefree.

I walked a little more and saw a beautiful hair bow.  
I knew it would look beautiful in your thick brown hair, flowing down your back.

I made my purchase and I read the card again. Then pressed my lips
against the cover.  And signed my name in the “Your Best Friend” spot.

In my mind, this is the place that we would venture.  
So I closed my eyes and met you there, on this crisp winter play ground.

I could hear each breath and pretended they were yours.  
I could see us running as we throw snowballs at each other.

I carefully placed the hair bow inside the envelop
and sealed it with a kiss.  I signed the front “To My Best Friend.”

I drove through the tall black fence, that use to feel so cold,
like steal.  But now feels more and more like home.

I carefully past your family, that now keeps you company
when the rest of the world has gone to sleep and I greet them with a smile.

I kneel in front of you, greeting you with a blown kiss, from my warm lips
to my frozen finger tips. And I say “Hello Lady,” as I wait for you to greet me back.

We talk and catch up on all that has transpired since the last time I visited.  
Suddenly, we’re back in your old house, sharing ice tea and cookies.

When the sunset dims the light, I know its time that I leave.  
I present you with the bow and card.   Then I read it out loud.  

Then I place them back in the envelope and slide them under one of the large rocks
lining the flowers beside your tombstone.  And I smile and say ‘good-bye.’

As I drive away, and past the the tall black fence that I now call my home,
I look back and whisper “Happy Holidays, my best friend.  I love you.”