The Day After Christmas

It's the day after Christmas,
No parcels by the tree,
Torn paper, tangled ribbons,
Are all that's left to see.

The kitchen is a shambles,
The turkey looks a mess;
Time to tackle clean-up jobs -
Now where's the happiness?

Some people are unhappy -
They ate or drank too much!
Or fret because of loved ones
With whom they're out of touch.
While millions of the starving
So many miles away
Just struggle for survival,
Unaware of Christmas Day.

Some gifts were not suitable;
Already broken toys
Or tired, worn-out batteries
Disappoint the girls and boys;

And some gifts lie discarded
Or totally ignored,
Just like the Blessed Birthday
Of Jesus Christ, Our Lord!

But the true Christmas Spirit
Is more than food or drink!
The cause for celebration
Far deeper than some think.

God's Gift will never tarnish,
Nor will it fade away.
Our Saviour's now more precious
Than that First Christmas Day!

Honoria A. Groves

December 26, 1984