Remember :: Budapest

The children and I walked our streets
In search for our perfect Christmas tree
"Please give me a home." whispered a fallen branch
Thankful, he could come home with us before lunch

Prepared his seat in the living room corner
The family naturally gathered together  
As a blanket was laid upon his cold feet 
Flashbacks of white snow falling the Budapest streets 

Songs of Magyar Népmesék soothed my mind
Bronze bauble with the letter R inscribed
Suspended together with the other treasures
Each held a personal tale of how they came to be here

Our first stood on the glass bridge in a trance
Mesmerised by pendulums of 4 and 6 trams
He too fell in love with her unconditionally
Art nouveau oozed onto tracks romantically 

Beautiful architecture veiled deeper psychological scars
Intricate details hidden like a nightjar
Zoo animals paced to and fro in concerto 
Abnormally up close and personal with these fellows  

National Museum documented their sad history
The people strengthened from their miseries
Flakes of paprika snow fell like tears 
Their hope proved they are the right heirs 

Slowly undressed, our warm breath fogged the windows further
Dark shapes danced like fire together 
Streetlights outside made stars on the wet glass
Towards the night sky, pools' steam rose pass

Spouts of therapeutic fountains revived the wearied
Wise men moved the pieces with fingers so wrinkly
Chess boards floated like magic carpet 
Spinning in circles encapsulated in a small bucket

The Little Princess gazed over River Danube
Faux golden crown with mantle bejewelled
Her father sculptured her with love and care 
Captured her innocence that lingered there 

Serenade of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
How have we come so far?
Away from our families on this day 
We have chosen to be this way

Every year as we walk our streets before Christmas 
Fond memories recalled of this place first
Where cobbled streets hold torn stories
Together we overcame our crisis