The Fight Before
Christmas
‘Twas
the night before Christmas and all through the house
The
tension was bad as I fought with my spouse.
The
stockings were hung, and the presents were there.
The
tree lights were shining, but I didn’t care.
She
had said something that had made me mad,
Unless
she said “I’m sorry” this fight would be bad.
The
children were hiding upstairs in their beds,
While
loud angry voices whirled ‘round in their heads.
She
had been wrong and I knew that she knew it
This
fight would go on until she said she blew it.
My
wife went upstairs, brushed her teeth and her hair.
I
decided I’d sleep in my reclining chair.
My
eyelids were closed but my mind wouldn’t rest.
The
anger sat there like a brick on my chest.
When
all of a sudden, from somewhere outside
I heard
such a wail you’d think something had died.
I
jumped from my chair and my feet hit the floor,
I
stomped through the house and threw open the door.
The
moonlight reflected on new fallen snow
As
my eyes became focused on objects below.
And
there on the walk, surely up to no good,
Stood
eight tiny snot nosed brats from the hood.
They
were all bundled up, their eyes full of glee
As
they sang Christmas carols, mostly off key.
Two
were dressed up like Joseph and Mary,
In
the girl’s arms, a wee doll she did carry.
They
sang Silent Night, and Away in a Manger.
They
had not a clue of my justified anger.
I
started to scold them and send them away.
Who
could have joy on this horrible day?
But
just as I opened my mouth to implore
That
they take their miserable singing next door.
A
small voice said, “Mister, do you know the reason
That we celebrate
during this Christmas season”?
My
head dropped in shame, I said, “Tell me about it”.
He
replied, “When you hear it, you never will doubt it.
Did you know that Jesus
came down from above
To live among us
with a heart full of love?
He left all His
riches to live here on to earth
And started this
life with a poor, lowly birth.
He came down to us
because we had been bad.
He didn’t place
blame, it just made Him real sad.
He died on a cross
where we should have died.
The people who loved
Him were sad, and they cried.
He rose up again and
to heaven He flew
And we can all go
there to live with Him too.”
He
said “Merry Christmas”, as they
walked away.
Their
singing was precious, I wished they could stay.
I
suddenly realized that I had been wrong,
And
this fight with my family had stolen my song.
My
anger had drowned out the sweet Christmas spirit.
The
song was still there, but I couldn’t hear it.
I
knew that I had to make up with my wife,
To
tell her “I’m sorry” and stop all this strife.
So
I climbed up the stairs and I swallowed my pride,
I
gathered my wife and my kids to my side.
As
I asked for forgiveness and started to weep,
My
wife said, “I love you, now let’s get some sleep.”
We’re
all settled down for a nice winter’s rest.
I
think of my family, and realize I am blessed.
My
children are sleeping all snug in their beds,
While
memories of Christmas songs float in their heads.
‘Tis
the night before Christmas and everything’s good
Because
of eight twinkle eyed kids from the hood.
Janice Austin
Bates
December 2, 2011
11:26pm
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