Christmas
The sun god has come home
more a viking than pastor
We welcome him, hug him, call him home
The last train has reached the station
The cold huddles in blankets on the empty platform
We make our way in the dark
He sleeps deep, now, shh, the house all quiet
Watched carefully, in turns, by those kind spirits
When morning comes, he stretches, a maharaja in lambskin
And lolls about the duvet till evening
Awakening at last, to a grim noise at the back of his head
College is over, over, over, and no job is in sight
Behind us, the battered radio whispers, silent night,
And hope is baked in tiny morsels that have come to stay
Amlanjyoti Goswami’s poems have appeared in publications in India, Africa, UK and USA. He grew up in Guwahati, Assam and lives in Delhi.
Clever, enjoyable poem that shines a light on a special family christmas. Gentle but sharp humour – & ends with hope – & shows the love throughout.