The warmth of the crackling fire, <br />The glistening tinsel on the tree. <br />Children rip ribbons and pull shiny paper. <br />Exposing gifts and laughing happily. <br />A family sit around a plump turkey, <br />The steam rises in the room. <br />Flickering candles and plates of mince pies, <br />Shivering breaths rise in a plume. <br />The sound of choir songs play on the ear, <br />Snow dances to the tune. <br />The crunch of snow under shoeless feet, <br />Will Saint Nicholas be here soon? <br />Sitting in the snow, arms hugging my knees, <br />I hope for the sound of sleigh bells. <br />The snort of a reindeer, <br />And Inviting christmas dinner smells. <br />But nothing comes as I rub at my ankles, <br />No saint, no sleigh, no present for me. <br />No tree, no dinner, no christmas wish come true. <br />No hint of magic for my eyes to see. <br />But just before all hope is lost. <br />A voice behind calls out. <br />I turn and sure enough he's there! <br />Saint Nicholas all merry and stout! <br />'You didn't think I'd leave you, now? ' <br />His rosey cheeks do shine! <br />Swaying in his polished boots, <br />It must be all the wine! <br />'Here little one, you have this! ' <br />He hands me a special gift. <br />I unwrap it all there and then, <br />And my heart begins to lift. <br />The prettiest pair of shoes I ever saw! <br />Polished and twinkling bright. <br />'Thank you' I squeak, <br />A smile, a wink and he vanishes from sight.<br /><br />Stephanie Dower<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-very-special-present/
