Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Christmas Poems for My Kids: Poem #2

Every year at Christmas, I write poems for each one of my kids, reflecting back on the year they've had and celebrating who they are right now. It's sort of a literary snapshot that we can look back on to remember this season in their lives, a picture that will record for us many of the things that photographs can't. As they grow older, I hope that these poems will take on special significance for each of the kids, but for now, they're still just strings of words that Dad jumbles together and makes them listen to on Christmas morning--which means that at this point in their lives, they don't really care if I post them for public consumption. So, as my Wednesday "poesy post," I'm offering up these poems. You can find the first poem here; below is the second one.

Christmas Poem 2015

Watching you grow is rather like
The steady op’ning of a flow’r—
Each row of petals shows new grace,
Full of wonder, peace, and power.

When you were small I would have laughed
If told that your outstanding trait
Would be a disposition of
Gentleness to small and great.

Back then you glared at everyone
And pushed kids down on every side;
I loved you for your fiery heart,
And I still love your fire inside.

But now I see another side,
A sweetness only God imparts;
Affectionate and swift to share,
You often melt your parents’ hearts.

I love the way you think about
The feelings of your siblings two,
Even when, as often is,
They’re not thinking about you.

I love your loyalty to friends,
Your sheer delight in others’ joy,
The way you rush to hug heartbreak—
You are a wonder, little boy.

But as in Christ, I see in you,
That gentleness is nothing weak—
You have a lion’s heart, my son,
The joyful courage of the meek.

Sometimes your sense of justice burns
Into an all-consuming fire;
And though your parents must rebuke,
Please know we love you all the while.

Your wonder, curiosity,
And laughter fill our hearts with joy—
Happy and exuberant,
We have a treasure in this boy.

So Merry Christmas, little man!
May you grow in strength and sweetness too,
As gracious God still shapes his work
Into the masterpiece of you.