My Ode to Christmas Shopping

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I am not a poet. But, on occasion, one of the Greek muses selects me to write a poem. (Recently, it was Thalia, muse of comedy and bucolic poetry). With the season upon us, I wrote the following, and just for the record, I am finished shopping!

‘Twas the Day Before Christmas

‘Twas the day before Christmas                                      I searched for some charities

No presents I’ve bought                                                     To give in their honor.

Where did the time go                                                         That’s the best gift of all

That I almost forgot?                                                            I began soon to ponder.

No wrapping or ribbons                                                      Now after the donations

Oh, what should I do?                                                          Were all given as gifts,         

My family expects something                                             I smiled as I realized

And it all must be new!                                                        The meaning of Christmas is 

                                                                                                       this.

Away to my computer                                                         My family was thrilled

I flew like a flash                                                                   And the gifts were just right

For last minute gifts                                                             So I went to bed happy.

Please, system, don’t crash.                                             Merry Christmas to all and a

     peaceful good night!

I’ll order my gifts

And send e-cards their way.

I’ll have to pay extra

But that’s still okay.

Then as I sat there                                                   With apologies to Clement C. Moore

Ready to click enter,                                                           

I paused for a moment

As I turned on my printer.

Are e-cards real gifts

To give from the heart,

Or just an obligation

That somehow did start?

So I reflected a minute

And thought what was right.

With so many in need,

I should be easing their plight.

My recipients don’t need gifts,

But there are others who do.

That should be my focus

And I hope my family’s too.