Children play in loud spurts of sound
while parents speak in whispered tones and
hushed smiles of laughter

one ear to the children
while our eyes offer our attention to
the room

Christmas leafs color the air
in fragrances of fall
glimpses of the fire dance off walls
trading flickering shadows and bright colors of light

A mood made soft and warm through reverance and deliberation
Silent, holy night

on the eve of christmas eve
under a brightly lighted sky
staring coldly into the night
santa prances devilishly
by

stolen glimpses
out the corner's eye
good children sleep
while bad children weep

pray the Lord
your soul to keep
leaving presents
in a heap

jingle bells and mistletoe
chimney tales and noses that glow

merry christmas
and good night

blessed wishes
of the coming year

share your spirit
with the night
shedding darkness
with the light