Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com

                                   Did You Enjoy Your Christmas?


                                               Christmas Night


That merry little Christmas that they sing about –
Did you open your gifts around a tree
Tinsel and ornaments and a brilliant star
Pajamas and cocoa and merriment

Did you enjoy a dinner with someone special
Or with happy children and a few friends
Then coffee and cake and quiet memories
Everyone free from telescreens and devices

And now with a fire and soft candlelight
Is this another gentle silent night?

I hope it is so, dear friend

Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com

      O Ring Out Christmas Safety Cautions and Trigger Warnings

We must not overeat at Christmas dinner
We must not pass the doggie a poisonous treat
We must not speak aloud of loser or winner
We must not undercook the veg or meat

We must not argue during the second course
We must not provoke any bitterness or tears
We must not mention our cousin’s divorce
We must not let Momma drink too many beers

We must not drop our guard on Christmas Day -
For it’s all about family (that’s what some say)

Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com

                            O Little Front Line of Bethlehem

Stopped and questioned multiple checkpoints
A search of their persons and their vehicle
And a stern warning from the local patrol:
“You are not permitted to draw on public funds”

The Holy Family arrives at last at a no-tell inn
“I need to see two forms of identification
And a major credit card from any on this list
Fresh linens are extra; the ice machine is broken”

Surly men in grubby camouflage smoke cigarettes
Occasional gunfire lights up the noisy night

Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com

                             (From The Saint Tibbs’ Day Songbook)

                          Last Christmas I Gave You my Pancreas

I thought there was an idea here
But maybe not
Just a few questions, ma’am
About the guy who received your heart and gave it away
Did he drop it off at a re-sale shop?

Giving a body part at Christmas is sing-able
           Because
“Last Septuagesima Sunday I gave you my heart”
Is not something you can dance to easily
Especially if you have no cardio-pulmonary functions

I thought there was an idea here
Maybe it’s those Nyquil dreams again…

Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com


                                           For Cate and Jack

                                           Or Jack and Cate?

                                                On Christmas


Certain joys about Christmas are always true
For among the season’s constant blessings
                        Are you!

Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com

                                            ­  Do Dogs Have Souls?


                                     “Behold, I make all things new.”

                                                  Revelati­ons 21:3-5


Do dogs have souls?
But how can one look into those big brown eyes
And not know the answer

Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com

                                   We Are Hopeful Romantics

We are hopeful Romantics -
Peeking behind wardrobe doors for a glimpse of Narnia
Awake on Christmas Eve to hear the animals speak
Leaving a saucer of milk for the Fairy-Folk

And if we don’t see Narnia or hear the animals
If the Fairies don’t leave us a thank-you note
Well, that’s okay
For they are true

Someday the wardrobe door will open for us
And then we’ll see…