John Lawless Poet Haibun

Discretion's Valor

He was almost a toddler, more of a stand up and take a bow crawl away and climb on whatever was near.  We used the now dreaded “play pen” to keep him out of trouble.  Then it happened…CHRISTMAS.  You know, the tree part.  

It was a smaller tree but it took hold of his complete attention.  And that took complete hold or our attention.  What to do?

After a serious deliberation concerning the alternatives, it was decided by a majority vote, one almost a toddler abstaining.

To protect the child from the tree and the tree from the child it was decided that the tree would be placed in the “play pen” and the child allowed to view it at his leisure.  Christmas was a rousing success.  The tree hung out with us until New Year’s Eve.


the tree’s history
a Christmas awakening
discretion’s valor

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sara Etgen-Baker December 20, 2025 at 5:46 PM interesting and entertaining read. Thanks for sharing.

Gershon Wolf December 18, 2025 at 7:49 PM HIs grandchildren loved Harry Truman. When asked why, he replied: "I ask them what they want to do, and then I tell them to do it." ~ from Reader's Digest

Paula Goldsmith December 18, 2025 at 10:59 AM What a creative/fun write you have here. Love It... I know people that did this. When our son was little we went from a big tree to a small one on the table top. Then went back to the big ones when he was bigger. Have a Very Blessed Christmas and New Year 2026...........

Hilda Greenhough December 17, 2025 at 11:05 PM Your haibun gives a feeling of warmth and love. The toddler provides action to the story. Nice read.