My Twas the Night

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Broward,
Big red sale signs and spending headed upward.
Tree tents were going up, the smell of pine near,
It was Christmas, was Thanksgiving even here?
The children were sensing something in the air
Yet I struggled with something, this didn’t seem fair;
On the outside, there was an aura of great fun,
but in self, did I think I was the only one?
Ole’ St. Nick had a better view of this boomin’ town
From the Pole, he saw every face I was around.
He saw a divorcee at Starbucks alone,
The kid at Broward mall, avoiding his home,
The moon was rising, dark came on fast,
But from the Pole, he could see the aghast.
“That family, in Weston, you think has it all?”
“Not true. Thru their windows there is only a wall.”
“The bagger at Publix? Today with no reply…”
“Not one person spoke to him, not even a sigh.”
“And on your street, what a place for potential”
“If you’d stop, you’d see their hurting torrential”
“And in Broward, on the corners of those stoplights—“
“They are humans with hearts, not money-needing mites.”
May I offer a Santa tip with this affair?
Hoping my name conveys, I speak because I care.
If there’s a thing inside, a holiday ache,
Stop for a moment, it’s God speaking…take a break
My view’s the North Pole, but God’s view is quite precise
He nudges from what he sees, he doesn’t think twice--
This season, God implores, “Please help from where you are.
At Starbucks, Publix, the inside of your car
Sure, at Christmas, I could reach down, help those nearby
But I’d like to partner with you, won't you try?”
“Let’s slow down and make the season a journey.
You’re made in my image, with love there’s no hurry
When in a Target lot, take your cart to the man,
Tell him thanks and go ahead, why not…shake his hand.
Dining at Outback? Ask your server for more--
More about her life, what her future has in store.
I think you get the idea, it’s the season…
to have Christmas fun and yet give without reason.
You know the last line; don’t forget this word, alright?
It’s: Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a good night.