A Midsummer Night's Christmas Delight
Big brothers, big sisters, many of whom
Had never heard the sound of children's laughter
Opening presents on Christmas morn
Planned a summer outing to a local theater
On July First, for children from ages six to thirteen
The curtain rose on a Midsummer Night's Dream
Pip, true to character, eyes shone with wonder
And nary a child's dream could be put asunder
As fairies danced astage like sugarplums through toddlers' heads
Especially the youngest, these children of single parents
Never exposed to Shakespearean delights in an enchanted forest
Like Santas we felt bestowing culture to a captivated audience
Hoping this Christmas in July would grant them a sense of permanence
All children deserve to feel such love and faith in visions magical
With love among forest sprites and poetry of dreams fantastical
Stopping for ice cream floats on the evening ride home
A nine year old with a fairy wand turned her friend into a gnome
And for a brief time these blessed children forgot their broken homes
The fathers or mothers who'd left them behind made no curtain calls
For children inspired by Shakespeare's fire could light up any hall
So they dashed away, pranced away, danced away all
As the bus ride came to a halt
The cultural presence that sprang from their hearts
Would outlive any gifts from Santa Clause
It was more than a deed done for a good cause
For one evening at least they had something more
Than children who lived in mansions
They'd shared beauty and grace
Gifts beyond most youngsters' comprehension
From strangers who did not through chimneys drop
Nor offer explanation
Great tidings of cheer that filled children's ears
Brought such jubilation
Big brothers and sisters needed no whiskers to beam with joy overcome
And yet as we disembarked and sent each sleepy child home
A familiar train, deer and sleigh, seemed to streak across the moon
The true spirit of Christmas on July First had made its presence known
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