Post 9/11 Cheers

Post-9/11 Cheers

I’m holding a photo in my hand taken in 1995,

Of three smiling children sitting on Santa’s knee.

They have large brown eyes and olive skin.

   The children’s mother is hovering with me

   In the background while looking at candles.

   She often reiterated how she loved the

   Flickering candles in the churches of Damascus.

The mother of the children, on Christmas Day,

In the 1960s, gave Christmas gifts

And invited neighbours in for Christmas dinner.

Only she didn’t serve ham

As she is of the Islamic faith.

   I wonder how these people celebrate Christmas,

the festive season, post 9/11.

© Judy Brumby-Lake