Rhyme To Remember My Friends

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book.
And every year at Christmas time I go and have a look.
And that is when I realize that these names are a part,
Not of the book they’re written in, but of my very heart.
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime.
And in that meeting they’ve become the rhythm of rhyme.

And while this sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I really feel I am composed of each remembered name.
And while you may not be aware of any special link,
Just meeting you shaped my life more than you think.
For once you’ve met somebody, the years cannot erase.
The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face.

So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine,
Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you,
It’s because you’re on the list of folks I am indebted to.
For you are but a total of the many folks I’ve met,
And you happen to be of those I prefer not to forget.

And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some way you have a part to play in shaping things I do.
For every year when Christmas comes, I realize anew,
The biggest gift that life can give is meeting folks like you.
And may the spirit of Christmas that forever and ever endures
Leave its richest blessing in the hearts of you and yours.

Peter Scarcliffe, Lincoln (This poem appeared in the Lincolnshire Echo a few years ago and I have kept it in my 'Christmas Box' so am reminded of it every year. I don't know Peter, but Thanks to him wherever he may be. )