Once a year

Do I hear distant angel choirs  
faint, hard to believe this Eve?  
Perhaps my ears deceive,  
I see and hear children  
in the twilight  glow  
of trees festooned with light,  
promises of snow at Christmas  
mere childhood dreams  
fading in the night.  

Cheerless rain and mists  
invading silent streets,  
shops, shutters closed,  
empty car parks white lined  
again I hear those voices  
closer now and loud,    
parents pretend to scold,  
excited as their children.  

It is only once a year.........  
they will tire by seven to  
sleep with teddy bear and kittens.  
Turn down the lights, pour a wine,  
we won't be late to bed