A family sobs when handed the news
as though Life collected on all past dues
Nothing had fazed them until this day
when told their little girl will soon fade ‘way.

The doctor packed up his belongings with a sigh
Such a waste of destiny...we had to watch her die.
But she held a light within her and showed no fear
as parents assured that she’d see her favorite day of the year.

The summer sun magnified the weight of the room
She wouldn’t see Christmas...or a fall flower’s bloom.
Her father came into the living room hauling a box familiar...
He set up the tree and then mom insisted on Christmas dinner...

The daughter was delighted to see that tree brightly lit
and during its illuminating moments, her tragedy, we’d forget.
Every night, passerby saw the tree and looked at them in scorn
unknowing of the little girl who’d never live to see that morn.

The girl survived life for two more months before she lost her fight
and still, to this day - that tree can be seen lit on every night.
The next time that you notice, on some houses, Christmas lights still adorn...
Hold back your tongue in judgement, perhaps their angel, there, was born.

©February 12, 2005 Lori S. Maynard