Did you see her
and
did you say,
Ave Maria?
if not
it doesn't count when
the sum is being totalled
and forfeits being made.

In leafy glades when we're laid to rest
and we know with our souls that
we did our best,
it's best to keep your fingers crossed
just in case.

It's not the stillness of the mornings
or the nights that stretch too long,
not the silence in the hallway
or in the memories that linger on.

It’s not the scent of your perfume fading,
or finding strands of your grey hair,
it's not the teacup on the table waiting
or the full cushions on your vacant chair.

The hardest part, I understood too late,
it isn't counting the days apart
but in the permanence of your absence,
and this persistant ache in my heart.

It's not the missing, or the longing,
or in your presence that we lack,
but with a heavy understanding
that you are never coming back.

©️Lizzie Bevis

Between the worlds
of dreams and reality,
lives the truth we
sometimes fail to see.

Beauty dwells
in both these parts
in dreamy hopes
and candid hearts.

©️Lizzie Bevis

In silent woods where whispers freeze,  
The breath of night kisses the breeze.  
Trees stand like sentries cloaked in white,  
Their branches bowing, in graceful plight.  

The breath of winter, crisp and clear,  
Wraps all in silence, drawing near.
A silver quilt covers sleeping ground,  
As snowflakes drift and twirl around.  

Beneath the moon's observant gaze,  
Winter shrouds time in a sparkling haze.  
The world sleeps under frosted dreams,  
Where moonlight weaves its silver beams.  

As frost paints scenes upon the night.
Where stars like diamonds shimmer bright.
Nature's art hangs in crystal chains,
A masterpiece in all that remains.

©️Lizzie Bevis

The stockings were hung,
but they fell off the wall,
The tree was so crooked,
it threatened to fall.
The cookies for Santa
got burnt to a crisp,
and Grandpa was snoring
with quite a loud lisp.

The cat ate the tinsel
and their whiskers did glow,
while reindeer-shaped lights
blinked sporadic and slow.
The wrapping paper ran out
halfway through,
so presents got covered
in the old Daily News.

But Christmas still came
with its usual cheer,
despite all the chaos
and Dad's missing beard.
For love and good spirits
cannot be undone,
by festive mishaps
and misguided fun.

©️Lizzie Bevis

The end of the year
and most of us are
still playing it by ear
but twenty twenty-five
is just around the corner
and most of us are
going deaf
how will we play it then?