Poems by Raelene J. Elliss

I found a little Christmas card.
‘Twas in a box of stuff.
I opened it and read it.
Its verse was written thus.

"Season's greetings and salutations.
Best wishes and all the best.
Happy New Year and live long,
And may you be God blessed."

There was something written
Below this little verse.
It was written in your writing,
Just like we would converse.

I felt the love in those words
Written by your shaky hand.
Tears filled my eyes,
As you can understand.

I love that little Christmas card.
My heart strings are all a strum.
That little card means so much
Because it's signed, "Love, Mum."

Back in the day, life was so clear
Families gathered and shared in the cheer
We spent our Pounds, Schillings and Pence
A time when our society had more sense

A time when children played in the streets
When everyone knew you from the top of your head to the shoes on your feet
Days when your neighbours would lend a hand
When hand-me-down clothes made you feel grand

Respect was abundant and a pleasure it was
Now our society has forgotten it because
We think we are so advanced in our mindset
In my opinion, we've lost our best bet

Doors were not locked but open to welcome
Now they are all locked up, unfeeling and unwelcome
I wish for the days of my childhood
When going to church did your heart good

The days when we spoke so fondly of life
Those days have passed us, now filled with strife
We've turned our backs on the important things
We miss all the love that knowing God brings

Wouldn't it be grand if we could have those virtues
I believe if we did, it would solve some issues
Wish we could go back to those bygone ways
And revisit the values of the bygone days

Prayers and songs sung
To praise His holy name
A nativity scene began
The scene we've come to claim

He lay cradled in his mother's arms
She gazed into his face
Tiny baby born
To save the human race

Shepherds came to see
Born in a filthy cattle shed
A manger he lay swaddled
Straw for his tender head

From the womb to the tomb
He came to walk the land
Cobbled streets and hilltops
Led by His Father's hand

So very precious is the gift
More than frankincense, myrrh, and gold
Lasting through eternity's days
God's glory to behold