The Best Present Poem by Zack Holland

The kind October night draws in; day eves:
My cheeks are slightly reddened in the lift.
I to my door and briskly flounce my sleeves,
I turn my key and green and amber sift:
My Grandmama has sent to me a gift!
An envelope that’s plump- the seal it heaves-
With such a smile I tear it open swift:
A birthday card that’s filled with Autumn leaves!

My flat-mates can’t work out what this achieves:
I ne’er before received so bright a gift!
There’s something in my heart that ruefully grieves
For those who’d be with such a present miffed.
My childhood Christmases were all a-rift
With stockings full of canes and golden sheaves.
But nothing yet has thrown me more a-drift:
A birthday card that’s filled with Autumn leaves!

I lay them precious out like nature’s thieves
And watch as all the colours jump and shift.
I think of how a want for more deceives-
Perfection on God’s earth we cannot lift.
In nature, naught is known of tare nor thrift
And money’s only worth if man believes-
And thus; Unto this day my favorite gift:
A birthday card that’s filled with Autumn leaves.