A Gift of Christmas Past

I’ve loosed the seams that held me fast
My freedom gained, hard won at last.
Confined in my box a prison at best
For years on this shelf my fate and un-rest.
Where once I was cherished, a joy to behold
A Christmas gift found under a green tree of gold
With bright lights above and tinsel below,
Where Gingerbread cookies all dance in a row.
A child’s smile brought with squeals of delight
When the handle cranked music the spindle unwinds
Releasing the latch reveals hidden inside
I sprang forth unhindered to laughter and light.
My music unwound for many a year
My spring tightly sprung, sprang unheeded with cheer
But, slowly these slowed with time and much use
Assured that my space on this shelf was reserved.
Alas, I’m unable to face unafraid
The rest of my days now lost in a haze
Of happier times when my presence was craved
Now deafening silence is joined by dismay.
And so my dear friend my story’s not lost
I’ve left my confines for an adventurous cause
No longer in exile in this attic dark
To venture beyond will be quite a lark.
Sincerely,
Jack