Christmas Hope Chest

'Tis a melancholy year, struggling for glee;
clouded by war and Mother Earth's bad-natured spree.
We've wept, donated, lit peace candles and prayed;
what's left in our hope chests to mend drab spirits frayed?

I'm raising up the top - aha, what's this we see?
Golden tools forgotten, waiting expectantly.

Compliments to others sit mutely confined
beside instant-sunlight smiles ne'er released to shine.
Random acts of kindness dwell there tissue pinned
by sweet ideas forsaken 'neath bashful doubts chagrined.

Shake out these treasures - Do something positive!
Certainly cheerful tasks will be mirth causative.

Tell a clerk "Great Job," bring candy for your boss,
give first place in line to a mom with toddlers cross.
Send soldiers e-mail, buy an Angel Tree gift.
It's time to rev up your holiday spirit shift!

Go! Create hope and with peace it will join hands.
Share with great abandon -
Enchanted, joy expands!

© Tomi Fratto December 2005