Christmas Day

I remember so well that Christmas date. The year that things changed - I had just turned eight. I was no longer a child in my view, And I hoped Santa had seen that, too. The time for toys and candy had now passed. I was learnin' to rope and ride at last - Hopin' an prayin' for things I could use Instead of new socks and prob'ly some shoes. I stood there awhile in front of the tree, And wondered this year how Santa saw me. My hands shook as I reached for the first one - This gift would tell if Christmas would be fun, Or if it would be just another year Of playing with toys and hearing reindeer. I tore the paper while toys I feared - And to my relief a jackknife appeared! I had come of age - I could handle knives! Santa knew I was through with children's lives. I recall so well that year I was eight. I was a cowboy and I couldn't wait. December, 2016