A Dakota Christmas

We walked and talked that Christmas Eve. 
Marveling at the fake Christmas tree. 
Some lawns glistened with tacky snow.
But not a snow flake fell. The air was warm, the breeze was light.
The starlight twinkled throughout the night.
We walked and talked that silent night,
 Just my mother and me.

I hear her voice, her gentle tone. 
But her words are lost to the passing years.
Despite the years,  the feelings remain,
That cause these sudden tears.