The Christmas Orange Poem by Leria Hawkins

Date:November 16,2006
By:Leria Hawkins

When I was a child
No more than two or three
There was a small round gift
Underneath the Christmas tree

I was there at their party
Where I didn't belong
Somehow in the way
Always tagging along

For I was too young
To join in their games
Not quite old enough
Oh...what a shame!

I just wanted to be BIG!
Like the pretty Sunbeams
To be included in the fun
A child‘s simple dream

My sister's were all there
All one, two and three
Each was included
Everyone but me

I sat in the back of the room
Holding to Grandma's sleeve
Yet still filled with excitement
For it was Christmas Eve!

They sang Christmas carols
I hummed softly along
It made me feel welcomed
As if I belonged

Grandma took hold of my hand
And she squeezed it tight
Looked me straight in the eyes
And said "everything's alright"

As they ate cookies and candies
All full of punch and delight
Grandma told me to "sit still"
Then she slipped out of sight

She was back in a minute
With a gleam in her eye
And a smile on her face
That she couldn't disguise

She sat down beside me
Pulling me close to her side
The look on her face
Was of happiness and pride

At the front of the room
They were having such fun
Then they gathered ‘round the tree
With a gift for each one

My heart began to patter
As tears filled my eyes
It seems I wasn't included
I'd get no surprise

As presents were given
They called out each name
My little heart was breaking
But, no one to blame

My Grandma looked over
As the first teardrops came
Then she softly whispered
"They're calling your name"

I looked up in surprise
They were looking around
She was holding a package
It was silver and round

It was small and shiny
Like the light in my eyes
I squealed in delight
What a happy surprise!

I rushed to the front
To claim my prize
It was the best gift ever!
And the perfect size

Smiling and happy
So excited to see
The perfectly round orange
That Santa left for me

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Copyright © 2007 Sandra Hamrick, All Rights Reserved