Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

It was Christmas Eve all snowy and dark
The fires were lit and lights in the park.
Children snuggled down dreaming of Santa
Grown ups glugged drink that wasn’t Fanta

Foxes stood watchful sniffing the air
Was anyone venturing near their lair?
Dogs howled sensing something was near
Was it good or evil? That was not clear

The night was starry, clear and bright
Waiting for that guiding light
A child awake listens out
Was that footsteps or Santa’s shout?

Mums hushed children, go to sleep
Santa won’t come if you make a peep
Dads wrestled with dollies pram
In pieces still, I need a dram

Wrapping paper, tinsel and string
What will the morning bring?
Excited faces in the early morn
Children awake before the dawn

Surrounded by presents under the tree
One for you, more for me
Lucky children, tousled and yawning
But others wake this Christmas morning

Without a warm home and a cosy bed
Freezing, hungry and living in dread
Not cherished or cared for, they live on the street
Anxious and wary of the people they meet

Christmas for them is not full of cheer
But lonely and sad, living in fear
No cake or sweet treats, no turkey or sprouts
But kicks and abuse, swearing and shouts

Their dream is to be safe, a room of their own
Somewhere that they can call home
They want some comfort, some love indeed
We are so fortunate we have all we need

So when you are enjoying your Christmas meats
Remember those children without any treats
Homeless at Christmas