A Child's Prayer

Snowflakes softly falling
Upon you window pane.
Your blankets snug around you,
Into sleep you drift away.

I bend to gently kiss you,
When I see that on the floor
There's a letter, neatly written,
I wonder who it's for.

I quietly unfold it
Making sure you're still asleep,
It's a Christmas list for Santa,
One my heart will always keep.

It started just as always
With the toys seen on TV.
A new watch for your father
And a winter coat for me.

But as my eyes read on
I could see that deep inside,
There were many things you wished for
That your loving heart would hide.

You asked if your friend Molly
could have another dad;
It seems her father hits her
And it makes you very sad.

Then you asked "Dear Santa,
If the neighbor down the street
Could find a job, that he might have
Some food and clothes, and heat."

You saw a family on the news
Whose house had blown away:
"Dear Santa, send them just one thing,
A place where they can stay."

"And Santa, those four cookies
That I have left you for a treat,
Could you take them to the children
Who have nothing else to eat?"

"Do you know that little boat I have -
The one I love so dear?
I'm leaving it for you to take
To Africa this year."

"And as you fly your reindeer
On this night of Jesus' birth,
Could your magic bring to everyone
Goodwill and peace on earth?"

"There's one last thing before you go
So grateful I would be
If you'd smile at Baby Jesus
In the manger by our tree."

[ Author Unknown -- from Mushy 126, via 'HeartWarming' ]