-- Christmas Poem --

John Herlihy

I love wrapping presents,

And this poem is a gift.

On Christmas day I do present,

This poem your heart to uplift.

Before it was even written,

The poem was already there.

My heart was already smitten,

The poem still to write, do I dare.

Dare I do, as I take the plunge,

All my holy sentiments to expunge.

Expunge from the void into open air,

My heart bleeds, but not from despair.

The gift opened, the ribbon thrown away,

Your heart uplifted on this Christmas Day.

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(c) John Herlihy 24 December 2023