Gifts On This Morn
by Michael Doyle

It's just how it is since we were born
We await the superficial gifts of this morn
Excited eyes search around the Christmas tree
Wondering what presents are for you and me

Then when all the gifts have been found
And the garland and tinsel are unwound
We would take our toys to play outside
Having spent time to find, it was time to hide

Until the sun began setting down
And we knew supper was being laid down
We would gather around the family table
Stuffing ourselves as fully as able

That is, until we as parents became
The ones wanting our children to know the same
Times had changed and fun had become digital
Our children gathered around screens as able

It was no longer safe to go outside and play
And we parents find ourselves mourning yesterday
As we try to help our children still have fun
Wondering yet how all innocence has been undone

No carolers come through snowfall's moonlight
But still we gather around to sing it bright
Each note in its right place as we remember cheer
And keep our Christmases year after splendid year

We will not betray our warm and pleasant memories 
So long as we can keep love shining in our families
And while the times have changed, we know no numbness
As we smile all the same and keep our love in oneness

All of our sequestered hearts are given
As we gather in the name of He who has forgiven
Christmas has come with its long memory
We gather our hearts together as one family

(c) December 17, 2024  Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved