After ten years following the anniversary of her passing, there is still something of a void, especially at Christmas. I was reflecting on this over Christmas, and I suddenly felt a glow as I remembered our last Christmas in Marie Curie. On Christmas Eve, the chef was anxious to see we were well looked after and checked us out for a truly scrumptious dinner, turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. Sure enough, he arrived on time and produced our repast. Before we could touch a fork, the doctors arrived to give her a check up. I was asked to wait outside in the waiting room. Mid examination, the cleaners popped in and hovered away our much awaited meal. When I was recalled to bedside duty, we discovered to our chagrin that our food was gone. After a moment or two of dismay, we began to laugh loud and long at the humour of it.
The laughter echoed through the years and I dissolved in a big belly laugh at the wonder of her. Thanks Snooks. You are always with me.

Old Love Viewed By Candlelight
That flicker finds the corner of my eye.
A golden glow that brightens up this place
then hurries, scurries through the waiting house
to rest against the sunshine of your face.

A face of somber sweetness, yet serene
in true affection, quizzical but kind.
So gentle in those tenets held so dear
that fortitude was never undermined.

When poetry has strummed its final chord
and words dissolve into eternal night,
my world will still retain that tiny glow
of your reflection, warmed by candle light