By Kelly Nielsen
‘Twas the week after Thanksgiving
and now without question,
our country was officially
in a recession.
Done checking my email,
our kids were in bed,
with visions of world peace,
disturbing their heads.
When I was a youngster,
my worries were simple,
no nightmares of terrorism,
just outbreaks of pimples.
Though the economy was hung
in dire need of repair,
we had hopes our new government
soon would be there.
Businesses were failing,
world markets were unstable,
but the most worrisome threat,
was the food on our table.
And as I lay dreaming
that my wallet was fatter,
my cell phone awoke me,
this call better matter.
The voice that I heard
was that of my neighbor.
The first thing I thought was,
is Helen in labor? (again)
John called to alert me,
he saw movement in my house.
Something was stirring,
and it wasn’t a mouse.
I crept down the stairs,
looked to the left, to the right,
and saw from the kitchen
a dimly lit light.
Then what to my
wondering eyes should appear,
but a short-haired intruder,
in everyday gear.
He stood there so quiet,
but not by himself,
two small persons with him,
too tall to be elves.
I knew in an instant,
this scene was not right.
A dad and his children
were hungry tonight.
As they noticed my presence,
I said, “How come you’re late?”
I’ll help carry these groceries
down to the gate.
As the three of them walked
to their car down the street,
I yelled come back next week
for your holiday treats.
I crawled back into bed
My wife turned off the light.
She asked is everything OK?
Yes, everything’s all right.
