Monday, December 21, 2009

The Christmas Grouch

'Twas the night before Christmas and out slipped the Grouch
To search corners and crevices in every house.
Grumbling and whining in each person's ear,
He worked to spoil the season's good cheer.

Devising a scheme in his evil mirth,
He would tear Christmas away from planet earth.
"I'll approach the Creator and plead for permission;
If I win the debate, I'll set off on my mission."

He filed a complaint and prepared his case,
Stated his arguments and started to pace,
Back and forth in front of the Throne,
His raspy voice a wearisome drone.

God granted his request, but it would quickly be stayed
If the Grouch found just one who gave thanks while he prayed.
Smirking and sneering, he left with a nod,
And laughed aloud at how he he'd fooled God.

Not a moment to waste, he sped through each city,
Invading the homes, adorned and so pretty.
He lurked in the shadows and watched as they said,
"It's been a long day, and I must go to bed."

Folks were busy, so much on their minds
That time for the Father was too hard to find.
The Grouch slipped through the houses, delighted, amazed
That no one took time to offer up praise.

Dauntless and smug, he smirked to himself,
"My case has been won, and with so much time left!
One more stop and it will be 'in the bag.'
Then I'll bombard Heaven to gloat and to brag."

At the edge of town on that cold winter's night
A scene through a window caught the Grouch's sight.
He slithered inside and what did he see?
A tiny boy, hands clasped, down on one knee,

Thanking the Father for Jesus' birth--
Praying, "Good will to all men and peace on earth."
When the child whispered, "God bless us everyone,"
The Grouch knew his case would never be won.

In an angry fit he yanked out his hair,
Then stamped out ranting, "It's not fair! It's not fair!"
The Creator smiled down, said, "You don't understand--
Salvation exists because Christmas began."

I longed for each soul to know its true worth
So I sent my Son to this desolate earth.
And because of Jesus, My gift from above,
Christmas is eternal, and so is My love."

A note from Laurean:

I hope you enjoyed this. Don't let "The Christmas Grouch" invade your home this year.

I wrote the above poem in December 2003 after I awoke one morning with the first two stanzas rambling around in my head. As the day lengthened, so did the poem, until by 4 p.m. I had finished it.

I pray that all have a very Merry Christmas, and not forget what the Season is truly about. Slow down and enjoy your family and friends. "God bless You Everyone!"

14 comments:

Anne Patrick said...

Awesome poem, Laurean! And I love your trailer! Have a safe trip and have a blessed Christmas and Joyful New Year!

Heather Justesen said...

Great poem, we all need a little reminding what is important and what the season is all about. Thanks!

Rebecca J Vickery said...

I loved this Laurean! Thanks for inviting me over. I pray you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!

Sharon Donovan said...

Beautiful, Laurie. And so very creative. We all need reminded this time of year what the Christmas season is all about. Great post, my friend. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hugs,
Sharon

Miss Mae said...

You're a poet too! Girl, you are talented!

Enjoy your time with family. We'll miss you while you're away and anxiously await your return. :)

Laurean Brooks said...

Thanks, Anne! Did you dig those gorgeous eyes on my hero, Austin? Dreamy, huh? Miss Mae and Val almost dueled over him when the trailer first came out. LOL

I wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas. My life is richer for the friends I've made this year.

Laurean Brooks said...

Heather, you are so right. I wrote this as much for myself as anyone.

You are so sweet and I'm glad we met at SRA. Have a blessed Christmas.

Laurean Brooks said...

Rebecca,

Glad you liked it. How could I not invite you over? The girl with a wackier sense of humor than mine? Hee-hee.

Here's wishing you the best Christmas ever.

Laurean Brooks said...

Aw Sharon, you're just too nice. I needed reminding, also. Christmas comes at a rush if we let it. Got to pause and just think....

Have a blessed and beautiful Christmas, my friend.

Laurean Brooks said...

Well....Miss Mae, I try. I actually started with poetry as an early teen due to unrequited love. Yeah, I had a crush on a senior who didn't know I existed...except for one two hour hayride where we held hands and talked about the true meaning of life.

But the following morning at school, amnesia struck. He could barely remember my name. LOL

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Donna B said...

Well done! that Christmas grouch is everywhere - I'm just glad there's no room for him inside of me!

Merry Christmas! Let's celebrate the real reason for the season!

Laurean Brooks said...

Great going, Donna. You've managed to keep that pesky critter out by filling up on the true meaning of Christmas!

Have a very Merry Christmas! I'm in McAllen, Texas with my son as I type this. It's 70 degrees here.

prashant said...

Great poem, we all need a little reminding what is important and what the season is all about.
data entry work from home

Laurean Brooks said...

Thank you, Prashant. I agree. Christmas has become so much about finding the right gift, or hoping we get the one we want.

What happened to Jesus, the Greatest Gift of all?