Snowflakes softly falling
upon your window play
your blankets snug around you,
into sleep you drift away.
I bend to gently kiss you
when I see that, on the floor,
there's a letter - neatly written
. . .I wonder who it's for.
I quietly unfold it,
making sure you're still asleep,
It's a Christmas list for Santa -
one my heart will always keep.
It started, just as always,
with the toys seen on tv. . .
and a new watch for your father
and a winter coat for me.
But as my eyes read on
I could see that deep inside
there were many things you wished for
that your loving heart would hide.
You asked if your friend Molly
could have another dad;
it seems that her father hits her
and it makes you very sad.
Then you asked dear Santa
if the neighbor down the street
could find a job so that he might have
some food. . .some clothes and heat.
You saw a family on the news
whose house had blown away;
"Dear Santa, send them just one thing:
a place where they can stay.
. . .and Santa, those four cookies that
I left you for a treat -
could you take them to the children
who have nothing else to eat?"
". . .Do you know that little bear I have -
the one I love so dear?
I'm leaving it for you to take
to Africa this year.
. . .and as you fly your reindeer
on this night of Jesus' birth -
could your magic bring to everyone
goodwill and peace on earth?"
"there's one last thing before you go -
so grateful I would be -
if you'd smile at Baby Jesus
in the manger by our tree."
I pulled the letter close to me;
I felt it melt my heart.
Those tiny hands had written
what no other could impart.
"And a little child shall lead them,"
was whispered in my ear
as I watched you sleep on Christmas Eve
while Santa Claus was here.
