It was very cold that Christmas morning

I awakened very early before sunrise

My Father had been home since the beginning part of the year

He mentioned to me that Christmas eve night to go to sleep early

Santa Claus might be stopping by my house

Would he bring me a bushel of coal, or toys to play with

Times where different than for me this very young boy

My Father was home and there was no longer the emotional abuse from my aunt

I was having trouble in school because of my learning disability

But I was managing despite her taunting

My thoughts were Santa will bring me coal because I was so stupid

But my Dad was home now, working again downtown

Maybe Santa would bring me a toy soldier, I was hoping

I raced down the stairs while is was still dark

On the side of the Christmas Tree was my gift

It was perfectly laid out tracks with five trains on it

There was a note on it that just said for Anthony

I beamed with pleasure that Christmas morning

Santa never thought I was stupid

He knew I was just a seven year old boy

My father has been gone now for twenty three years

And I, still learn slowly but do learn

I now no the true meaning of Love and giving

I thank the Lord for helping me survive those early terrible years 

Tony Mike Nerone

12-17-10