Christmas Eve Past by Elizabeth Hearn Milner

I remember Christmas eve with snow and the glow of my parent’s house.
I remember skiing the golf course hills and the thrills as the red sun set.
I can feel again the chilly air as I stare ahead at my swift, strong, big brother.
I see the faces of laughing, joyful friends and this tends to make me cry.
For like my brother one another have gone forever into “that good night.”
I see us returning together forever and ever to that warm, glowing house.
And the table where we were able to gather to share the food and love.
In the frosty air at night there was the delight of the walk to church.
And the return at midnight in moonlight after the service and the singing.
Nothing would ever change: I thought I could arrange this in my youth.
Now I see those faces and I grieve I cannot believe my heavy wanting.
Yes, tears and deep, deep yearning is burning in my chest for the past.
Ah Christmas Eve you hurt my heart with these lasting memories.

Elizabeth Hearn Milner, 2017

Aurora 1945-1965

Editor’s Notes: It became now a tradition that Elizabeth Hearn Milner writes us a poem each year. Elizabeth Hearn Milner grew up in Aurora from 1945 to 1965. She is a historian, a lecturer, a writer, and a painter. She has degrees from several universities and has taught for over 30 years. She wrote several books including Aurora 1945-1965, An Ontario Town at a Time of Great Change and her latest Aurora Memories and More available from Aurora Historical Society (Hillary House) and at the Caruso and Co. both located at Yonge Street in Aurora ON.