CHRISTMAS 1955

CHRISTMAS 1955


"Christmas is coming!" they shouted with glee
All of the class, that is, but me;
The teacher didn't notice; she was too busy
She said all this craziness made her so dizzy.

She hugged all of us and gave us some candy
I left her class last, just behind Randy;
Cold wind hit our faces as we ran down the hill
To await Santa and stay warm from the chill.

I had not mailed Santa's letter just yet
As I knew at aged 7 it was a sure bet...
That he wouldn't be stopping at our house this year
And for church I would have nothing new to wear.

I'd heard mommy say to my daddy one day
That this year our horse didn't even have hay;
So when asked what I wanted Santa to bring
I told my teacher "Hay for our horsey, named King".

We all went to bed with our stockings hung up
And left out for Santa some soup in a cup;
Wind blew as we slept, three to a bed
"Try to pray & relax" my big sister said.

I woke up at dawn and looked all outside
Snow everywhere, both near, far and wide;
I saw the barn door opened real wide
And it was then that I looked way up in the sky!

A sleigh was just leaving and I saw Santa Claus
He waved to me and I waved back because..
I wanted to thank him if he'd brought any hay
I wish he could hear what I had to say.

My sister's voice said "Awake and get up!
I've been downstairs and we've got a new pup!"
I guess I'd been dreaming and missed Christmas morn
Our dog had long waited for pups to be born.

I could not believe my eyes when I saw
The sweetest puppies who couldn't even crawl;
Then I ran outside to our old barn so cold
King was eating hay like it was pure gold!

Inside our warm kitchen I smelled something nice
There was eggs and ham, an extra big slice;
I sat on my red stool and smiled a lot
So thankful for all that Santa had brought.

Then I saw my stocking had something in it
Some marbles and mittens Mrs Santa had knit;
It was a white, beautiful Christmas day
I felt safe and warm, happy and gay.

"Happy Birthday dear Jesus" we sang aloud
And I carried our puppy to walk with the crowd;
Going to church to thank Him above
For all of our gifts, especially His love.

"Christmas is over" they shouted with glee
As the teacher smiled and winked right at me;
"Did King like the hay, Santa brought dear?"
She saw my answer in big eyes filled with tears.

a song "NEW LOVE, LAST LOVE"

NEW LOVE, LAST LOVE
(tune of "Young Love, First Love")


They say that soulmates happen once
There's just one mate in the whole bunch
And I, I've found mine;
The sweetest touch is your soft kiss
And you're the one I'll always miss
You, you're my happiness.

New love, last love
Filled with thrills and laughter;
New love, last love
There'll be no other, after.

They say that we get just one dance
That we won't get another chance
Ever, ever in this world;
But I love you and you love me
And this is all we'll ever need
Ever, ever in our lives.

New love, last love
Filled with thrills and laughter;
New love, last love
There'll be no other, after.

(a song)

I SAW MOMMY MISSING SANTA CLAUS

I saw Mommy missing Santa Claus
As we shopped the stores on Xmas. Eve;
Oh, how she looked so bad
Because she was too sad
That we could not afford a Christmas tree.

Then, I heard Mommy cry herself to sleep
Underneath the mistletoe last night;
She thought we couldn't hear
As she shed a silent tear
But I saw her when she turned off the light.

Oh, I heard Mommy missing Santa Claus
As she prayed aloud on Christmas night;
Oh, how we wished we could
Bring him back so that he would
Keep her smiling so pretty and so bright.

'Cuz I knew Daddy was away at war
And he told me that if I was real good;
That Santa would still come
And bring me a toy gun
And this year Santa somehow understood.

So Santa, please stop by our lonely house
Make her laugh and be merry again;
And give Daddy a big kiss
And tell him that I miss
Mommy kissing Santa Claus and him!

THE CANDY STRIPER

THE CANDY STRIPER

It was a busy Holiday week-end and I had lots of things to do. It wasn't easy having a full time job and a part time one as well, two evenings a week. But I had committed to volunteering one day a week as a Candy Striper at a local hospital. We were mostly females in red & white candy striped uniforms who assisted the nursing staff with primarily terminally ill children.

This particular Sunday afternoon I was involved in the care of a four year old girl who's name was Alyson. It was easy to become too attached and I knew I needed to ask for a reassignment. She'd not be leaving our hospital alive and it was doubtful that she'd even live until Christmas. It was heartbreaking and very hard to bathe and tend to her needs with so many machines and wires.

So it was with some relief that I arrived at work to find my new patient, a man about my age (27), named Kevin. He was a double amputee who refused to go to the hospital for Vets as he said they were all "quacks and queers." Kevin had lost the use of his legs after Vietnam and both had been amputated and now his stumps were infected.

I had to help change his dressings and keep his sense of well being intact. He had a great sense of humour, was handsome and was bitter about the U.S. Army. His fiancee had recently left him and he lived alone in a one room apartment, all that he could afford.

When all was quiet in the ward and halls, he played his radio while we chatted and played some cards. But the Christmas carols had us both depressed and we turned it off.

I had an idea and he was game! He got in his wheelchair and I found one for me and we had the best out of three races down the long darkened hall. He won, of course and he laughed very hard and very long.

When I left his room, he was back in bed watching a basketball game. He said "Merry Christmas, sweetheart."

Since I wouldn't be back until after Christmas, I wanted to call on Alyson and give her a small gift I had made for her. But another child was now in her room.

I hurried to ask a Nurse where Alyson had been moved to but was told she had died that afternoon.

With heavy heart I started to leave the hospital. I saw the big donated tree in the front foyer and placed her gift underneath with all the others.

On the way home, I thought of my own little girl, just nine years old. I thanked God for her health as I stepped a little harder on the gas.

Alyson was with God now and Kevin was asleep. And I had to play Santa Claus yet....if I could stop crying long enough.

SOMEBODY'S BABY

SOMEBODY'S BABY


There isn't much I don't have
At this stage in my life
I've been somebody's daughter
And I've been somebody's wife.

I've traveled halfway 'round the world
I've seen the old Great Wall
About the only place I've missed
Is Niagra Falls.

But in case there is a Santa Claus
And I know it's a big 'maybe'
All I want for Christmas
Is to be somebody's baby.

Someone who will make me his
Number one priority
A gentleman in every way
Except when we are naughty.

To be somebody's baby
First place in the race
Would be as close to Heaven
As seeing God's own face.

NEW YEARS

NEW YEARS


‘Twas the night before New Years on Cape Sable Island
She was dressing all up in a pair of black nylons.

When out in the driveway an Amanti pulled up
And out jumped a man with a Tim Horten’s cup.

He opened the door and ran up the stairs
Where he found his baby nearly in tears.

"Why? Whatever’s the matter, my darling girl?"
As he held her tightly and fastened her pearls.

He asked if she’d like to share his red wine
And they drank some to toast in Auld Lang Syne.

He said he must hurry, was just passing through
And she whispered aloud "I’ll always miss you."

Her lips he did kiss and her heart beat anew
For all she needed was air and him too.

A new year stretched and she felt its weight
Knowing they’d met in life much too late.

The nylons were on but she wished they were off
As he ran down the stairs she heard his dry cough.

They each knew the time had come to both part
But it didn’t stop the hurt they felt in their hearts.

He drove through the snow and felt a sharp pain
And just over the Causeway it started to rain.

He whispered "Dear God, watch over my girl"
As he stepped back into his own little world.

‘Twas the night before New Years on Cape Sable Island
She whispered aloud "Happy New Year, my darling."

'TIL YOU'VE HEARD AN ANGEL CRY

'Til You've Heard An Angel Cry

He said "What's the matter, babydoll
Tell daddy what is wrong?
Just climb into bed with me
And I'll sing you a song."

But she just played with her doll
And whispered "Please don't die!"
Man, you ain't heard nothing
'Til you've heard an Angel cry.

I laid with her on the floor
'Til she cried herself to sleep
And as I carried her to bed
I prayed, Lord, her soul to keep.

This Christmas is so hard for her
With her Mama gone away
She's too young to understand
The "C" word that we say.

Her mama made an awful scream
Before she had to die
Man, you ain't heard nothin'
'Til you've heard an Angel cry.

So darlin', if you can see
Our Christmas tree tonight
Be the Angel up on top
So it will look just right.

I heard my girl on Xmas. Eve
"Tell Mommy I said goodbye"
Man, you ain't heard nothin'
'Til you've heard an Angel cry.

It nearly broke my heart into
To hear my Angels cry......

DOWN CHRISTMAS LANE

DOWN CHRISTMAS LANE

He counted all the egg cartons
As he watched the rain
They were to trade for groceries
For Christmas down the lane.

Christmas came but once a year
And Santa tried his best
But with 8 small children
He seldom got much rest.

They needed food for baking
They needed food to eat
So Santa never found much time
To get a proper sleep.

She baked bread every day
And cookies every night
But even Mrs Santa Claus
Did not have a bite.

She knit each pair of mittens
And bought the girls a doll
They would have to share her
And she wrapped the boys a ball.

Their stockings got an apple
A few nuts and a candy cane
That was all their Christmas
For the family down the lane.

But snow fell as they slept
And a new sled all did see
A goose in the oven
And a red yo-yo for me.

Tender were the moments
Laughter filled their home
And what he gave to Mrs Claus
Was a lovely and sweet poem.

The animals ate in the barn
And the family laughed again
Jesus had His birthday cake
From the family down the lane.

HOPELESS

HOPELESS

Sometimes when the wind blows
And the snow won't stay away
And the traffic keeps on moving
Day after day after day----
The city seems to never slow
Or even go to sleep
He looks out of the window
And wishes he could leap.

He recalls another time
When he had a life
Kids and even grandkids
And a loving wife---
Before the booze drove them away
And he found himself alone
Homeless, broke, addicted
No place to call a home.

The job was the next to go
And the bank took his car
Off on foot with no income
He couldn't go very far...
He ended at this shelter
And now it's been ten weeks
Christmas is tomorrow
But he can't fall asleep.

He once believed in Santa Claus
Like he once believed in love
Now he believes in nothing
Not even in Him above...
Sometimes he can't even cry
Just sits alone and smokes
And when no-one is looking
Can't wait to snort some coke.

But one day soon he'll leave
And move on down the road
Hop a train to anyplace
Maybe to Mexico...
His past is far behind him
His future is untold
All he has is just today
And he's fifty-five years old.

Hopeless......

SANTA?

SANTA?

She knew Santa Claus wasn't real and now as a grown up woman, she felt foolish to be standing in line to see him. There were mostly small children with their parents and a few kids with their older siblings. The line was long as she sipped her cup of Tim Horten's hot chocolate.

She'd been at the mall all evening and was tired from shopping but didn't want to go home again to face her lonely apartment. The tree was lit, candy filled the red and green dishes and even a Christmas carol could be heard now and then. But still, this Christmas she was lonesome and blue.

So she decided that since it was Friday night and she could sleep in tomorrow, she had no reason to go home. She'd sit on Santa's lap and ask him to bring her someone special next year. Maybe even buy a photo of them together........

She listened carefully as she watched the people in line. There was laughter but mostly they were impatient and argumentative. The fathers kept looking at their watches; the wives were on their cell phones and the kids were playing with their Gameboys. Life in the fast lane, city style.

She'd never had any children and wasn't sure she wanted any, though her ex husband sure did. That was one of the reasons they'd split up after nine happy years. He wanted a family and she just wasn't ready and maybe never would be.

But she missed him and their life together. This was their first Christmas apart and it made her sad. She had loved being married but next time, she wanted him to be a different sort of man. She longed to love and laugh and live again!

The line was getting shorter now and she could hear Santa's big "HO HO HO." He had a fake white beard and a very large tummy but was smiling at every small child, especially the babies. What a nice caring Santa!

Her turn came and she nervously approached his wide lap. "Hello, Santa; I'm Angie and I have been good and....."

Suddenly, he was trembling and she stopped to look at his face and saw those brown eyes and dark complexion and she knew! My God, it was.......no, it couldn't be!

But it was him, her ex husband and she hurriedly rose to leave, embarressed and bewildered. Kids were close by and waiting their turn too so she just said "Merry Christmas, Santa."

He replied, softly and slowly "Santa won't forget you on Christmas Eve; or ever."

As she drove home in the new snow, the tears started. The radio played a carol: "there's an old Christmas card, in an old dusty trunk".......and she turned it off as she pulled into the driveway of her new apartment. Her front door was covered in snow; she couldn't see to find the right key.

She found out for sure that there really isn't a Santa Claus that night. But she'd still leave his favourite pie and milk out on Christmas Eve. Just in case......

'I STILL MISS SOMEONE"

"I STILL MISS SOMEONE"

The doorman greets her with a smile
Says "No charge; go right in"
The pub is very dimly lit
As the band will soon begin.

She sips her cup of coffee
And sits beside the stage
Glances all around her
And suddenly feels her age.

The dance floor is all crowded
Before she's caught his eye
He looks surprised at first
Then mouths a silent "hi".

He watches her through-out the dance
And wonders why she came
She's never liked his music
Or the band's new name.

He reads a request on paper
And when it has been sung
He wonders who had sent it:
"I STILL MISS SOMEONE."

He never saw her leave the hall
Guess she just got bored
She'd be asleep when he got home
And he strummed a final chord.

The sexy barmaid whispered low
"Going now? Need company?"
But he kept right on walkin'
'Cuz he just wasn't free.

He sat inside their spotless house
And cried for what was gone
And reached for his old guitar
To sing himself a song.

Somewhere in another room
A woman hears a noise
And cries into her pillow
As she listens to his voice......

"I still miss someone".......

a poem for my late dear brother

MISSING RODNEY:


Heaven must be happier
With Mom & Dad's own son
Singing Christmas carols
To each and every one.

I know he must miss family
From down here below
Especially Jon and Jamin
How he loved them so.

We all miss & love you, Rod
And Minnie is all right
But I know you hear her
Often, crying in the night.

We think of you so many times
And wish you could be here
But I guess God had other plans
Still, we have to shed a tear.

Keep on singing and grinning
Rod, as only you can do
And someday before too long
We'll join in there with you.

CANDLELIGHT & MISTLETOE

CANDLELIGHT & MISTLETOE

Christmastime is here again
Amidst the hurry scurry
The fireplace is all in red
And everyone is merry.

A man tries to wrap a gift
A woman bakes a cake
All the world is silent
All the worlds awake.

She stops to wipe off flour
He tries to tie a bow
When they both look up
They each see mistletoe.

He reaches in the candlelight
For her hand in his
And they hold each other
In a long, tender kiss.

She removes her apron
He pulls her on his lap
And she whispers in his ear
"I see Santa has got up?"

Underneath the mistletoe
In the candlelight
A man and his woman
Share Christmas Eve tonight.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS

Happy Birthday, Jesus

The winter snow falls once again
As the year draws to an end
Children laugh and wish for toys
Many gifts for girls and boys.

We exchange presents 'neath the tree
One for you and one for me
Celebrate throughout the land
The greatest news since time began.

Happy Birthday, Jesus Christ
Though gifts may all be very nice
Having our Father 's Holy love
Is the greatest gift from up above.

A WARM ROOM, A WARM MEMORY

When I lived in Atlanta, our local newspaper, the ATLANTA JOURNAL & CONSTITUTION, had a contest in Dec.1995, in which kids were asked to submit a story (real or make-believe) about Chritmas memories. The prize was $50.00. Darned if my son, Brett, didn't win 1st place and so when we picked up our morning paper on Dec. 25th, guess who's "story" was on the front page? They had also illustrated it and what the artist drew, looked EXACTLY as we'd seen (stranger's face and body as well as his dog).


The following is his story, nothing changed, altered, deleted or added.


"A WARM ROOM, A WARM MEMORY"

A TRUE STORY
BY BRETT MUNDELL SHORT
14, WHEELER HIGH SCHOOL

One Christmas, when I was 10 years old, my mom and I drove from our home here in Marietta, GA. to Texas, where my Aunt Phyllis lived.

Just before we left, there was a big fire in our complex. About eight families lost their condo's and everything inside. We were not too happy when we began the long ride to Texas in freezing temperatures, at dawn. We didn't have much money, either.

We drove all day and stayed that blustery night at a motel halfway, maybe Louisiana, I can't remember. When we got up very early, our white Camaro was all frozen over as it was bitter cold. We went inside the warm motel to pay and to eat in their restaurant. We both had hot breakfasts and hot drinks.

Through the ice and snow, we could see a thin man and his scrawny dog walking from the dark main highway toward our motel. No one else was out that early----6 a.m.---and we thought they must have hitchhiked that far. the weather had turned blustery and frigid, only about 10F.

The man came inside and filled a can with water to give to his dog, tied outside. They both looked so cold, hungry and pitiful. Then the man came inside and sat down to order; he only asked for coffee. He tried to warm his hands around the cup.

It was time for us to go so my mom paid for our food. When we got outside, the man was patting his trembling dog.

Suddenly, my mom went back inside and I followed. She asked for the motel manager. Then she explained that even though we had checked out earlier, didn't we pay for our room until noon? He replied "yes". Then she asked if we could let a homeless man use it until then? He asked if we knew the man and she replied "no, but he looks like he could use some warmth, sleep and a hot shower." (She never mentioned the dog).

The nice manager agreed! She thanked him, wished him a very Merry Christmas and as we left the motel, she told the stranger that he was more than welcome to use our room until 12 noon. His face lit up like a Christmas tree! SIX WHOLE HOURS inside a warm, private room! He smiled broadly and shyly said "Thank you, Ma'am. I sure do thank you!"

We defrosted our windows and warmed our car for the long ride to my aunt's house. When we pulled out of the parking lot, the man and his dog were using the door key to enter our motel room. He turned to watch us leave, and, at that moment, my mom and I both thought he looked just like Jesus!

We went down the highway, happy and laughing, imagining him and his best friend all warm and cuddled in their two, big, soft beds. I wished later I had given him my five dollar allowance I had in my pocket but I wanted to buy my mother something for Christmas. Perhaps God would feed them?

It is my all-time favourite Christmas memory and I'm 14 years old now.