Bright lights and colors, glittering string,
Boxes of ornaments, songs that we sing;
Parcels all wrapped with scotch tape and care,
Hefting the contents with mom unaware;
Longing to open, exploring with eyes,
Would they be toys or clothes I'll despise;
These were my thoughts when I was but four,
Not enough presents, I still wanted more;
Now as a teen my views had matured,
There's cd's and videos so I wouldn't get bored;
I still lift the presents to guess what's inside,
I've got a good feel, I won't be denied;
Gratitude wasn't yet one of my traits,
I want what I want, so please don't be late;
Then all of a sudden my life took a turn,
Life as I knew it was not quite so firm;
Father grew sick, his suffering was long,
He lay there in bed, he wasn''t so strong;
Then Dad whispered softly,"Come here little one,
I've places to go where you cannot come;
My time is soon over, I've taught you what's right,
Life will be tough, so dig in and fight;
I love you, I'll miss you, take care of your mom,
Follow the Savior, you'll never go wrong,"
With those final words his life passed away,
I knelt there and cried while silent he lay;
Bright lights and colors, glittering string,
Memories of Father cause me to sing;
Little ones now that are under my care,
Lifting the presents while I'm unaware;
Longing to open, exploring with eyes,
As I tell them stories with tears in my eyes;
Grandpa was here though he couldn't be seen,
Those days are still cherished when I was a teen;
My life took a turn for better back then,
I followed my Dad, a man among men;
I'm teaching my children to do what is right,
I'll teach them of Christ, to walk in his light;
Christmas is special, it brings many joys,
Following Jesus is better than toys.
Ralph Fallentine
