Hearth

‘Twas the night before Christmas
all through the land,
With ashes and embers
and buildings once grand.

Few people still celebrated
with stockings and lights,
While St. Nick stumbled
through chaos and fights.

He tried and he tried
to be what they needed,
“Please keep believing,”
he begged and he pleaded.

But the people lost sight
of a season with wonder,
Instead they were dazzled—
another spell they fell under.

The children didn’t play
and the grownups all grumbled,
No more happiness or laughter
when society crumbled.
Right now in your hand
you hold the whole world,
Connecting and posting
with access unfurled.

Is that what it means
to be lightyears ahead,
To ignore those around us
for strangers instead?

Please put down your phone,
your tablet, your device,
Let’s appreciate the people
that don’t come with a price.

For soon they will leave us
like all people do,
Don’t look back and wonder
“what if?” or “why you?”

Make those cookies
and put up those trees,
Dance in the kitchen
and make memories.

No one will remember
what you posted online,
But dear faces and hands
will run out of time.