A Death in Winter

 

A friend has died recently whom I did not expect to be without this Christmas. We never know. Here's a poem by William Henry Harrison Murray that I have liked for a long time that reminds us to hold family and friends close this Christmas.
Ah, friends, dear friends, as years go on
and heads get gray,
how fast the guests do go!
Touch hands, touch hands,
with those that stay.
Strong hands to weak,
old hands to young,
around the Christmas board, touch hands.
The false forget, the foe forgive,
for every guest will go
and every fire burn low
and cabin empty stand.
Forget, forgive, for who may say
that Christmas day may ever come
to host or guest again.
Touch hands!