Roses are gone

Trees are bare

Snow ain’t falling

But something’s here

Leaf-covered grounds

Mistletoe stockings

Hung all around

With little ones hopping

Season not bright

As so in the hearts

Of people all around

Staring at lights

Food galore

And love abundant

I dare say Christmas

Is soon to be coming

Woods still as calm

As any day before

Still sound with the trickling

Of a winter rain’s pour

Bells to be found

Dropped from Santa’s high sled

Things to be healed of

And things to dread

But nothing so dark

That the darkest light

Is not brighter still

All through long winter nights

And just when we’ve given it

Every last thought

Christmas becomes more

Than we’ve ever been taught.