Once Upon a Christmas

I stand at the window and watch the snow fall It's been two hours since Billy left The wind has built, a blizzard set in And I can't put my mind at rest. The snow has drifted blocking the road he took But he knows his job, the cattle must be watered and fed And hay for the baby calves to bed. "I'll be all right," he said. There is no school it is Christmas vacation The radio predicted conditions to worsen. With his family save and warm He then sets about caring for those out in the storm. TV and presents keep the children entertained While I my hair do pull. Dinner is ready and still Billys not home And with questions like "When's daddy coming home? And "Can I go out and play in the snow?" It is hard for them to understand It isn't just a snow fall, the danger is far to grave Wander to far and they could be lost And in turn perhaps lose their lives. Two o'clock, three o'clock, four o'clock came Finally Billy comes through the door Wet, exhausted and frozen to the bone He removed his outer garments and collapsed on the chair. As he ate the children came Excited to have daddy home Satisfied he was safe and sound They went back to their TV and games. Chore time came and the blizzard ruled I offered to do my share He smiled and said, "Everything's fine. Just the cow to milk and the pigs to feed And I'll be right back inside. " I put on my coat took shovel in hand And worked at clearing the path. In an hour it would be covered again But I needed to have some fresh air. All were in bed, the Christmas tree bright The Nativity set caught my eye Tenderly I picked up the manger, bow my head and say "Thank You Baby Jesus and Happy Birthday." Cile Beer