Dreaming of Peace

We’ve heard that angels chanted, “Peace on earth!”
And so we wait, we wait and hope,
As all around us blood is shed each day,
And we keep dreaming of another day to come.

We’ve heard that Jesus is the Prince of Peace,
And so we hope, we hope and pray
That peace indeed will come to earth some day,
As all around us people quarrel, maim and kill.

We’ve heard that Jesus said, “I give you peace,”
And so we pray, we pray and strive
To take into our hearts that peace and then
To spread the truths He taught, the boundless love he brought.

We must press on until our dream comes true–
And so we strive, we strive until
All drop their swords before the Prince of Peace
And make the angels’ ancient blessing come to pass.

**

Christmas at Grandma’s

Grandma woke up
brewed the coffee
fried the bacon

she knew the smell
would beckon us
to leave our beds

we watched her work
we buttered toast
and poured the juice

we worked fast as
wrapped gifts waited
to be opened

Santa had come
our eyes sparkled
we licked our lips

I remember
the mound of gifts
and the lit tree

but the fondest
of memories
by far, by far

is Grandma’s smile
and now I see
that her joy came

from loving us

**

Snow In East Texas

When it snows in East Texas
It is a momentous occasion.
The children shout, “Awesome!”
And they really mean it.
It is like manna
Or pennies from heaven.

Classes are cancelled.
“For the children’s sake,”
The teachers claim,
As they pack up to leave.

Grown men and women
Don hats and gloves and
Go outside to build snowmen–
Tiny snowmen usually, but
Don’t you dare say, Oh, how cute!

Children grab trashcan lids
And cardboard boxes to use
As makeshift sleds.

There are no proper sleds around here.
There are no snow plows either.
Or chains to wrap around tires.
Or snow shovels.
In East Texas you just wait
Until it melts, and you savor it.

The snow is an excuse to eat
Venison stew or chili,
An excuse to drink hot chocolate.
And a reason to get back at Yankees:
“See! We do know what snow is.”

Mainly it is an excuse,
Or perhaps a reason,
To have some good, clean fun.