Those Dear Departed (Poetry)

How those old faces
haunt the candle’s flame
imagined smiling
warm with festive cheer
visiting again

December evenings
stray thoughts returning
to years long gone by
familiar voices
summon a deep sigh

How sweet nostalgia
provokes a sharp ache
pining for the past
like the heart might break
from such hankering

The crystal glass blends
good wishes with tears
toasts for the season
echo down the years
we drink to lost friends

Tradition holds dear
the candle burns on
while ghosts linger near
the quick miss the dead
recall all that’s gone