Poezie When I Wasn’t Looking

"The sooner you go to sleep

The sooner Christmas will come

Just close those beautiful eyes

And dreams will come one by one."



Oh, that’s hardly good advice

When you’re six and full of hope

There’s just so much I might miss

How’s a first grader to cope?



I’m staring at the ceiling

I’m listening down the hall

I’m watching shadowed windows

There’s Christmas gifts for one and all



The minutes stretch on like hours

Hours resemble days on end

The passing of the dark night

Wondering, "What did grandma send?"



Somehow midst the faithful watch

Eyelids slipped on past the guard

Hearts let down by weary eyes

Staying awake is oh so hard



Moment slip and I’m awake

Suddenly cross with myself

Daylight came- I didn’t know

The clock teases from the shelf



I run downstairs - check the tree

Presents wrapped for girl and boy

I didn’t need to see it -

The coming of Christmas joy



Each Christmas parents watch it

And it never fails to please

The awe-filled eyes of childhood

Opening presents on their knees