THIRD PLACE:
“Christmas” by Frank Hubeny
Three days ago the Sun dropped to its low.
Depressed with deeper darkness we can’t see
Beyond the poverty of blinding snow.
We hesitate, stiffened breathlessly,
Unmoving, fearing failure when we’re free.
Today a waking, tender hope appears.
Soon melting ice will wash the ancient tears.
SECOND PLACE:
“Christmas Card” by Sarah Russell
My third Christmas,
Dad pulled the armchair
in front of the tree.
I sat on Mother’s lap
with my favorite book.
Her gold crepe dressing gown
had fake leopard lapels.
I wore a nightie with flounces
and ribbons. Dad set up
the tripod and flood lights,
focused the Argus C-3.
Mother began to read.
I nestled so close
I could hear her heartbeat.
She got to the part,
“More rapid than eagles
his coursers they came,…”
Dad had his shot,
turned the flood lights off.
Mother shut the book,
nudged me off her lap.
FIRST PLACE:
“Remembrance“ by Ken Allan Dronsfield
Flowing grace, waving in the breeze like crowds at a ball game.
Back-lit with colored lights and silvery tinted strands of delicious
tidings of joy. Branches swayed in unison to gusty williwaws whilst
the blinking and chasing lights danced their favorite minuets.
Greetings cards adorned the fireplace mantle and stockings
hung patiently waiting for the great man to finally arrive.
Mom’s favorite chocolate chip cookies graced an oval plate,
a glass of milk with napkin and carrots for Rudolph.
Those memories are burned into every fiber of my being. Even
the scent of the pine incense burning in a holder on the old desk
igniting the atmosphere of hopes and dreams for a young child.
A toboggan in the corner, skis’, colorful packaged gifts all about.
The laughs, the giggles, the tears and jovial smiles. We’d run from
the house in the morning to check the roof for landing sled marks.
The mysterious visitor always kept silent and never revealed
his presence, except in the lovely memories left on Christmas Day.
Photo credit: Christmas tree #80″ daily paintings by Heidi Shedlock
Vita Brevis Press. 
You earned it!
Beautiful poems!
We wish we could have posted more! There were other excellent submissions as well
Congratulations, Sarah and Ken! Thank you, Vita Brevis Team, for selecting mine as well.
Absolutely, Frank–good work!
Congratulations to the winners. Beautiful poems.