he rocks back and fourth in his chair
watching the smiles on his younger generation  run
pass the plates and   knives  on the dining room table
 waiting to be sawed   through the
bird that once had a heartbeat
like his own  that continues to pump
blood through his veins unaware of the ache his heart feels
with every beat he breathes  praying   he could only feel her  again  nothing can compare  as the scent of fresh pie waits in the air
 wondering if this is the last gift from God he will receive
as the wrapping paper covers the floor
 leaving the tree  empty underneath
the way his smile feels after a long year
he can only take so much without his bride   by his side