Just Because Poem by Leslie Ching

Is it that time of year again?
When the spicy forest scent
Of fresh pine boughs
The neon glittering
Of fluorescent lights
The gentle crackling
Of new wrapping paper
Take us back
To memories long passed,
When we showed up
Out of nowhere
On your doorstep,
Cheeks flushed with cold
Arms laden with gifts
Grinning and hugging,
Saying, “Just because”.

Is it that time of year again?
When the little old man
Selling branches of holly
At the park on the corner
Squatted down to a little girl
And smiling kindly,
Handed her a branch,
And said, “For you, little miss,
Just because.”

Yes, it’s that time of year again,
When everyone gives
And everyone gets,
Just because.