Holly on the Old Oak 2011


Revelation

You read the last words
And then close the book
But when you raise your head
You discover you are not alone
For all around the old meeting place
Many animals have gathered
Who had sat and listened to the stories
Deer, birds, wolves, bears…
And others who are special to you
You did not realize you were speaking each line aloud
So their perked ears could hear the twelve tales
And their minds dreamed of magic and wonder

Right by your side is someone closer to your heart
Your Endless Forest deer has stood by you
And with a smile, they greet you kindly:
“Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays, my friend.”
You greet them the same way
And you embrace, they are warmer than you expect
It is here they speak to you some more:
“These stories were written for you, and for you alone.
Because it takes someone whose heart is pure
To read these tales before such a crowd.
Look around, all around. Look at their faces.
For they are with you, just as I am.”

With each face you see, inspiration comes
A wolf who represents your courage
A deer who is there for your beauty
A bear who stands for your determination
Each spectator is a part of who you are
This revelation comes quickly, as they soon depart
“It’s time to go.”, your deer speaks to you
And just as you blink, you are back home
But the chill of the snowy forest lingers just enough
So the lesson could set in for you this holiday
Remember the animals of the forest who listened to the stories
For they are always, always with you



Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays!

Story 12 Index