'AH! don't you remember, 'tis almost December, <br />And soon will the holidays come; <br />Oh, 'twill be so funny, I've plenty of money, <br />I'll buy me a sword and a drum. ' <br /> <br />Thus said little Harry, unwilling to tarry, <br />Impatient from school to depart; <br />But we shall discover, this holiday lover <br />Knew little what was in his heart. <br /> <br />For when on returning, he gave up his learning, <br />Away from his sums and his books, <br />Though playthings surrounded, and sweetmeats abounded, <br />Chagrin still appear'd in his looks. <br /> <br />Though first they delighted, his toys were now slighted, <br />And thrown away out of his sight; <br />He spent every morning in stretching and yawning, <br />Yet went to bed weary at night. <br /> <br />He had not that treasure which really makes pleasure, <br />(A secret discover'd by few). <br />You'll take it for granted, more playthings he wanted; <br />Oh no–it was something to do. <br /> <br />We must have employment to give us enjoyment <br />And pass the time cheerfully away; <br />And study and reading give pleasure, exceeding <br />The pleasures of toys and of play. <br /> <br />To school now returning–to study and learning <br />With eagerness Harry applied; <br />He felt no aversion to books or exertion, <br />Nor yet for the holidays sigh'd.<br /><br />Ann Taylor<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-holidays-7/
