Awash in tissue, ribbon, paper,
the grandchildren squeal
"Look! . . . Look!". . .
rejoicing in Santa's largesse.

Their parents, my children,
need less — a talisman
from one they love
to show friends at book club,
or unsheathe on the tennis court.

I smile.  Gifts for me abound
this Christmas and cannot be wrapped —
a kaleidoscope of family to reach
beyond my years and color the world.

© by Sarah Russell.
Used with the author's permission