The Christmas Grouch by Laurean Brooks

During this Season, let's not forget the true meaning of Christmas, as we rush around to get everything done. The poem below speaks of how easily we get side-tracked and forget to slow down and remember why we celebrate Christmas. I hope you enjoy it. 

                                       THE CHRISTMAS GROUCH

'Twas the night before Christmas and out slinked the Grouch,

Spying and stealing into every house.

Working to spoil the season's good cheer

By grumbling and grousing in each shopper's ear.

He made a decision, devised a sly plan

To tear Christmas away from every man.

He would approach the Creator to get permission.

If the Grouch won his case, he'd be off on a mission.

When he'd filed a complaint and prepared his case,

The Grouch brought his arguments and began to pace

To and fro in front of God's Throne,

His raspy voice a wearisome drone.

God granted his wish, but it would be stayed

If even one person gave thanks and prayed.

Smirking and mocking, the Grouch gave a nod,

Laughing at how easily he had fooled God.

Not a moment to waste, he swept through the city,

Creeping into homes adorned and so pretty.

Lurking in corners, he heard people say,

“I'm tired and so weary, I'm done for the day." 

Inside the dwellings people were busy,
Rushing around, their heads in a tizzy. 

With shopping and parties first on their mind,

Time with the Almighty was too hard to find.

Dauntless and smug, the crafty Grouch cried,

"I have won my case!" He shouted with pride.
"Christmas will be gone, removed from the earth
No joy, no peace, and no laughter and mirth."

Then, through a window, spilled a great light.

The Grouch rubbed his eyes at the odd sight

Of a child near a bed, kneeling and praying. 
The Grouch strained to listen. What was she saying?

"I thank you, God, for the Savior's birth

And for sending peace and good will to earth.

But, when the child spoke the words, “God bless everyone,”

The Grouch knew his case would never be won.

Furious and stomping, he yanked out his hair

Yelled up to heaven, “It's not fair! It's not fair!

I had it! I had it! Until this odd child."

God shook his head at the Grouch and smiled.

"Do you not know I sent Jesus to earth, 
To bring salvation, let the soul know its worth?

And, only because of my Gift from above,

Christmas is eternal, and so is My love.”

                        ***************************************************************

My featured book this month is OVER THE COALS,  a romance novelette about childhood secrets. 

Jill is sure Rob is hiding something. Every time she questions him about his childhood, he either clams up or changes the subject. What is Rob hiding? And why won't he confide in Jill?

If Jill uncovers the truth, will it destroy their blossoming relationship?

https://www.amazon.com/Over-Coals-Laurean-Brooks-ebook/dp/B075H3WF92