A Gift for All

It never sat under the Christmas tree.

It wasn't handled by human hand.

No nametag claimed it for you or for me,

Nor wrapped with a colorful ribbon strand.

Still in calmness it sits nearby, waiting,

While we perform the mundane daily task,

Listening to our mindless debating,

Ready should we ever to desire to ask.

We don't always seek, nor think to then search.

With patience perpetually constant,

Never to demean nor ever besmirch,

A presence of hope never gone distant.

It's a life given a long time ago,

A love that's lasted throughout the ages,

A continuous path to learn, to grow,

With inspired strength that fear disengages.

All encompassed on that one simple night,

Entered the dark, bleak world hope, faith, and love,

Brightness shining from God's glorious light,

Eyes lifted to behold wonders above.

That miraculous gift remains this day,

Unfortunately often set aside.

It awaits 'til we see and look it's way,

Never to withdraw and never to hide.

A most simple gift, the greatest of worth,

Forgotten, yet in continuity,

From before and after the wondrous birth,

Life and hope in ceaseless perpetuity.

May we in sorrow or in our joy,

Thank the Lord for His gift he gave to us,

For His light we delightfully employ,

And life no longer feels superfluous.

Commentary:

Peak holiday season has arrived! This is my Christmas poem for the year. I normally write these things long before Christmas, unless I've either had writer's block, or just haven't had the time. In this case, probably both had an application, but the latter plays the most significant part. I've been so busy taking care of my peoples that I haven't had the time to sit down and do it, but seeing as it's holiday week, I figured I better sit down and do it before it's too late. 

This one was particularly enjoyable for me to write. I wasn't sure when I first put it on paper if it would work out, but this has turned out much better than I expected. I hope it brings meaning to someone out there. I don't always do rhymes. I'm often just a freewriting poet, but I'm always up for trying different formats once in a while. 

Some people ask me at times how long it takes me to write these. For some reason, they think it takes hours, but what I write is simple enough that it only takes me maybe an hour of uninterrupted time to write these down and record them. The one secret here is that often the most work is in the head, before any writing ever happens, so I have a slight idea of what I'm writing about when I pick up the pen and paper; however, I'm also what is called in writing jargon a "pantser," which basically means my writing is often spontaneous and fly-by-the-seat of your pants type writing, so I'm not surprised if some of my writing isn't terribly popular.

I hope your holidays are wonderful. Enjoy.