‘Tis the day before Christmas and I find now with age
That it is less about the play and more about the stage
The stockings get hung on the chimney by me
As do the ornaments and lights that decorate the tree
The presents don’t get brought to the house by a fat guy
The presents are bought by a befuddled and stressed I
Wrapping and baking and stocking cupboard shelves
None of these things are taken care of by elves
By the time the event does finally arrive
I am too tired to enjoy or be considered alive
So my wish for this year and may it find all of you
Is for the childhood magic to return and renew
For the days when the stage was set so that I could simply play
Are now far in the distance and the torch passed my way
It’s with heavy lids and lightened heart that I surely do now say
Let’s all take a nap and get rested to be children on Christmas day









-j.g.smith(12/24/07)