Twas the Month Before Christmas

Twas the month before Christmas when all through the town,

Many were joyous while others were down;
For the year may have stung them, some more and some less,
With the kind and the fortunate sad for the rest.

The children as always were happy and bright,
And the youngest among them were numb to the plight;
While many a parent bore the personal weight,
At the knowledge that Santa might arrive a year late.

But have we not learned in few thousand years,
That the glitter of gold does not prevent tears;
That what matters for real, though we may learn too late,
Is the warmth of our loved ones, is there nothing so great?

Sure a sleigh full of toys and a guy dressed in red,
Is a tale for the ages, but I think instead,
That what kids do remember for ever and more
Is a hug from their Grandma, when they open the door,
On a cold Christmas morning, or Hanukkah a night,
Oh what we would give to recapture that sight!

So maybe this Christmas for some will be lean,
But the richness of peace, and of love is the dream;
That keeps the world turning, replenishing hope,
For those who are hurting and striving to cope.

As Christmas grows near you may wish on a star,
That those who are near us will never be far;
From our hearts and our minds, if not from our sight,
For our memories of love are what makes it all right.

And please let us pray for the hurt and distressed,
For they more than others must believe they are blessed;
By God in the heavens who will test us at will,
As we strive to recoup and emerge stronger still.

- Anonymous