What They Need Poem by Randy McClave

Before you buy for family and friends this season
Why not look about them first and then reason,
Maybe money for toys or gadgets for them shouldn't be spent
Maybe they need help with a utility bill or a car payment or rent.
Before to the store your holiday spirit does lead
Why not ask your friends and family what they truly need,
Maybe it's not the newest gadget or gift that you've seen advertised
You might then be shocked, saddened and even surprised.
Maybe they need a kid's free night
Where for themselves they can go out for both fun and delight,
Maybe instead of buying them a transmitter
You instead could gift them a free babysitter.
Maybe they are tired of cooking you might hear them reveal
So, maybe instead you can take them out to a home-cooked meal,
Or maybe they might need a gallon or two of gasoline
Or maybe clean their car to make it look like a fancy limousine.
Maybe they need a night out with some friends or pals
With other guys or gals,
Or maybe they need an opportunity to just dress up
Or maybe they might need a very fine coffee in a cup.
Maybe they just need someone to just sit down and really listen
Maybe they need someone to be a Christian,
Or maybe they just need someone to complain or even to cry to
Or maybe they just need directions or a clue.
Maybe they need someone to help make the holiday bright for their children
Or maybe even their grandchildren,
Or maybe they might need help in some other way
But, they are too proud or maybe to embarrassed to ask or say.
Before you go out this year for your holiday shopping
Before from one store to another store you are vigorously hopping,
Maybe this year you will have already thought enough
Maybe, this year you can truly give them what they need, instead of stuff.

Randy L. McClave