In Loving Memory of Hayes Kent

A Christmas Tree This Year

Ever since you died, dear Hayes
I could not bear to see
Christmas decorations,
Especially a Christmas tree.

It just hasn’t been the same
Ever since you went away,
I didn’t even want to think of trees
Especially on Christmas Day.

Sweet Bethany put up with me
And kept a tree in her room,
She didn’t know how to coax me out
Of all my holiday gloom.

But this year she and your Daddy, too,
Want a special Christmas tree,
Not one hidden away in just her room,
But out for all to see.

I was quite upset, I don’t know why,
I guess it has to do
With how much I still am lost
And grieving, without you.

But then one night I had a dream
Of you, my dear sweet son,
And in the dream you said to me
You thought the time had come

For me to give up solitary grief,
And to wipe away all tears,
And, yes, to put up a Christmas tree
Just like we did all those years.

For even in heaven you can see
What we do here on earth,
And it makes you happy to see us smile
And welcome Jesus’ birth.

And so, dear Hayes, you’ll be glad to know
I helped with the Christmas tree,
And it is shining with lights and love,
For all the world to see.

Written with love for Hayes' family by Saralyn Smith