A Christmas Tale

One dollar and eighty seven cents was hardly enough to buy
a Christmas present. Aside from the  gold watch gifted to him
by his dad, that was all James and Della had. Della had long
blond hair that reached down to her knees. James would often
tease her by calling her Goldilocks. But she always reminded him
 that she was more like Rapunzel.

 Their neighbors, John and Dianne  were quite wealthy.
 However Dianne was battling cancer, and had lost all her hair.
On Christmas eve the two couples went shopping for gifts.
Della,  desperate   to buy a gift for James sold her hair to a ritzy 
beauty salon. With the funds from that sale she bought James
a chain for his gold watch. Meanwhile,  James sold his watch
and bought Della an assortment of beautiful combs and hair clips.

On Christmas morning the presents were opened. James was stunned
to find that Della had cut off all her hair. Della was shocked to learn
that James had sold his gold watch. John was quite pleased with 
the gold watch Dianne got him. And she looked ravishing in the wig
of long blond hair  John got her. One dollar and eighty seven cents
wasn't much at all, but the gift of love is priceless. Merry Christmas!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

A   Avatar
January 11, 2015 at 9:17 PM
Hi Joseph,, congratulations on your win. LOVE LINDA
Kayode Avatar
January 6, 2015 at 12:23 AM
Congrats on the win Joseph...huggs
Allison Avatar
January 5, 2015 at 12:05 PM
Such a touching write Joseph -many congrats:-) Hugs Jan xx
Mehta Avatar
January 5, 2015 at 8:21 AM
Touching and heartfelt write, Joseph, congrats on the win
Dietrich Avatar
December 7, 2014 at 11:57 AM
I have always loved the Gift of the Magi story. It is one of O'henry's finest. you chose a good one to emulate, Joseph!!
Callus Avatar
December 6, 2014 at 4:26 PM
Lovely cycle....donating from the heart! As you say, "the gift of love is priceless." A 7 rating for you and your touching Christmas tale. // paul
Callus Avatar
January 6, 2015 at 9:06 AM
...back with very merited congratulations Joseph! Well done! All the best. // paul
Vaso Avatar
December 5, 2014 at 10:20 PM
Tissues please, this is so heartwarming, story that should be read by all!!
Deschler Avatar
December 4, 2014 at 11:26 PM
It is better to give than receive, and by giving away their cherished possessions, these two made Christmas memorable for their friends!... I enjoyed your clever take on the classic story. Great work, Joseph! Good luck in Debbie's contest!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace