Night of Flickering Gold

Someone once called it 'too much of a chore' But it's no good to say..."We aren't doing it this year".... No matter the weather, be it rain, fog or snow, they will appear. It's a fact. .. (That we know!) This is the season when loved ones come to their doors look from their windows, out into the cold Lights to behold, from those little brown sacks Some might say "tacky"....but we see the gold They could turn eyes away....but, they wiggle outside... They will take away memories, good friendship, good tides They might land on our doorstep, red noses like ice, wool scarves, gloves and eyes filled with happy surprise We have earned our reward, with the work we have done.... Brown bags filled of candles, some sand and some love.. Then a walk in the dark, as we circle the road, Half a mile in the country, we will light up the dark Little bags, little candles, just some sand and a spark It is no use...to say "We aren't doing it this year".... Those words would be useless, deaf ears wouldn't hear.. They would beg us, convince us, and we will take every bribe Nor is there one valid reason to bolt our front door... They are welcome inside, all the neighbors, adored The winter days shorten, and the are nights so long When lights have been strung, and candles are burning Where the fire is warming ...they will come here in throngs.. Neighbors and friends have come to our door For the very same reason that we need them to come Stomping their feet, and lending a hand.... Making us laugh, and bringing a friend We will sing with them, share our food, show them our love And when we bid them farewell, we will step outside into cold night And meet the wind, and smile... We'll stand again beneath the stars for awhile.... Just he and I, holding hands... will walk the circle mile.... And watch the gold flicker in the cold December sky And know the spirit of love and gratitude Knowing this tradition, always knowing why... Our Christmas gift to them... And to ourselves.... Yes... of course, like always,... we'll be doing it this year... _______________________________________________________________