Love Within a Stocking

Candycanes, and mistletoe

Ornaments and gifts with bows,

Garlands criss-crossing drooping boughs

And all the lights a-glitter now.

All speak to the family, dear,

That again Christmas is here.

PJ’ed children excited dance

Not by chance or happenstance

About the tree as though entranced,

To stockinged mantel cast a glance.

With no caution, fear or shame

They can tell that Santa came.

On seeing stockings filled with toys

For all the youngsters, girls and boys,

Rock candy, ribbons, and other joys,

Fill each stocking for girls and boys.

Then expectantly to tree they leap

And devour gifts left in a heap.

Ribbons cut and paper torn.

Parents gladdened, not forlorn

That no angry words were sworn

By their children that Christmas dawn.

It then ended as though foresworn

Peace on earth that Christmas morn.

But wait, there on mantel, sad and blue

Another stocking hung for me askew.

And though I wondered, soon I knew

For there within, was love, from you.