Because Christmas was her favorite holiday. <br />I remember laughing <br />with her while wrapping the oddly-shaped presents <br />she'd bought at K-Mart. <br />I remember the gifts 'from Santa' <br />which she'd sneak under our (very small) tree <br />in the middle of the night. <br />I remember when she climbed onto the wagon <br />just for me... <br />And I remember her face when she politely <br />declined a glass of spiced egg nog. <br />How loud her voice rang out <br />over all the dresses and ties and vacant eyes <br />when she yelled out 'Merry fucking Christmas' <br />at our last Christmas party together... <br />Make that her last Christmas party ever. <br />I remember her bright smiles <br />and how nobody knew the sadness <br />they covered up. <br /> <br />And for years to come, <br />I'll remember sitting with you <br />and drinking my Miller Light <br />and what my response was <br />when you asked me <br />why I wasn't smiling like usual.<br /><br />Amanda Lukas<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/3-an-acquaintance-asked-me-why-i-wasn-t-smiling/
