72 poets from 18 countries, with poets in alpha order by first name speaking their words inspired by this year’s theme: A special gift a child might ask for his or her world. (Please let us know if anything has been posted incorrectly!) We appreciate you all so deeply and this spirit of oneness with our voices lifted together. May there be peace on Earth.
For happiness
a time to share
A snowy day
a teddy bear
A candy cane
some mistletoe
A manger scene
a candle’s glow
A fire truck
a shining star
A baby doll
a racing car
A family meal
a woolen shawl
A Christmas tree
and peace for all
A hare off * United States
conceived but unasked
nurtured but unaware
warm, nourished, beloved
a blissful life internal
one day my second life began
I grew, discovered the world
I wrote a letter,
dear mother earth
one gift alone I ask
teach us to love each other
care for the earth
Love, me
Alan Graham * Scotland
All fatherless children have one Christmas wish
for the most valuable gift.
A loving father.
They dearly wish for this gift.
For strong hands
To lift
Them from the bad lands
Of their life.
For someone to teach them ball.
For someone to trust.
And to pick them up when they fall
In life and in literal dust.
They wish
For a father,
And nothing other
Will ultimately nourish
their little souls.
Alex * United States
Waited impatiently for you
To turn the key
Open the door
Your voice, your face
Your big embrace
It's all I ever wanted
And when the angels call your name
And dreams become a guessing game
I'll feel you here
Away from fear
And love you just the same.
Alex Vandool * France
Can you hear the echo calling
on the divine nature of the word
when you hear the hymn calling
you have the poetry of verse!
Alfred William Kukitz * United States
little brown packages
with little strings and bows
made of little brown twine
to unravel i suppose
revealing little colourful surprises
bringing bitty bursts of joy
and smiles on the faces
of little girls and boys
Ana Papaya * Canada
(Spanish)
Las pequeñas manos se juntaron para orar
Sus grandes sueños al creador empezó a contar
"Yo esta navidad no quiero pelotas ni muñecas
Quiero que a todo niño amen sin reservas"
(English)
Their small hands fold in prayer
They begin to tell their big dreams to the Creator
“This Christmas, I do not want balls, or dolls
I want every child to be loved without reservation.”
Angela Eunice Sacalxot * Guatemala
translated by Marie Anzalone
I'm wishing on the Christmas star
For something kind of tough;
Please, God, just bring my Daddy home.
And that will be enough.
He went away when I was three,
And now, I'm almost five;
He's fighting in a war, you see,
Please, bring him home alive.
"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,"
My little daughter said.
"I'm asking Jesus for some snow,
And Santa for a sled."
angel * United States
Bright eyes,
In small faces,
Of all colors,
Sharing skies,
Innocent hearts,
Speak,
Loud and clear,
To the someone
Who might hear:
“Father, Mother,
God above,
Please let me live,
In peace and love,
With food and warmth
And safety of
Blessed white doves
Flying always,
Amen.”
Annette Pisano-Higley * United States
Dear Santa
I have been very naughty this year
Yet I promise the coming year
I will be a good boy
Please , please, please
bring back the smile
On mommy's face
I will promise to behave
And help her with her work
And wash my dishes
And fold my clothes
Please, please, please
Bring back my mom
She seem to have
Forgotten me,
I won't ask for anything
If you bring me back
My mommy this year
Ardra * UAE
A Christmas flute of winter season. A season of bright star filled child eyes, and the only gift this child asks for is a pen to write a letter of love. A poem to warm the world's soul. And etch a mapping return of Jesus. Love sharing this Christmas season.
Arthur Henn * United States
want to be loved, for myself not my body
I need both a mummy and a daddy
In the eyes of this child
The world has gone wild
No one seems to care for any one else
They are only told to tighten their belts
Bobbie Coelho * United Kingdom
Time for life and all its fun
A place to rest when the day is done;
Food for the hungry kids like me
And a fireplace for warmth by a Christmas tree;
A kiss on the forehead as I sleep at night
And someone to care, as a guiding light.
Cait (C Lacovara Poems) * United States
A candle shines in the window, for family that is on the road. Grown adults transform to children as one by one everyone returns home. Kisses and hugs are passed around while a ringing phone connects us to one far from home. Then we toast an empty chair remembering those long passed. Then we offer thanks as we bow our heads.
Cherrie Palmer * United States
“God �" Please…”
I don’t understand…
I’ve tried …really… but,
Why am I …so bad?
The other guys are mean.
They push, shove, trip, hurt,
and promise bad things.
They make faces,
laugh while they hurt me
…and mean it.
Daddy left me here
and mommy still hits…
Please, I don’t understand.
Amen
Chris * United States
he wished for a new bed,
one he didn't have to share,
where his undernourished frame
could sink into a soft mattress
sheets freshly laundered
free from the stench of urine,
where he could close his eyes
and dream, dream of a future
with hope
Christine Anne Shaw * England
You are special
There is oddity in me
I have the relish of rain and also the regrets
I have the relish of purity and also the pain
For I have seen the sinners and also the saints
But you my friend, you are special
You are kind and innocent
You are the bright and the brave
You can teach me your ways
For me I have disowned myself and have gone stray
Just so you know how your smile does to people like me
Just so you know how your little steps on my stones does to people like me
I have only one thing to say
While no god or goddess to pray
This time
This moment
It is yours
You are beautiful
Present is the present my sweet sugar.
Present is the present.
CJScrawls * Nepal
Snowy days, school vacation for the grandchildren.
The lazy days of late December.
Time for family gatherings,
for phone calls to family far away.
For us to be thankful for what we have.
Coyote * United States
How I hope your cup is always filled
When comes harsh winter’s chill
The warmth of peace now rising up
To give all a sweet sip from our cup
And how I wish on every star
To be a part of where you are.
Craig Froman * United States
' ... A little more into reflection and resolve. A gathering time of life, the pursuit of it, the blessing that the earth bestows upon us, the gratitude for things we can and cannot control, the life lessons of both war and peace. '
Crippled Queen * United States
Sitting at the window, watching for snow in the light of the sodium arc, he hoped his mother would be home in time. Santa might pass if parents weren’t home.
At work she tried to paste on the best smile she could, “Open until 2 AM Christmas Eve for your last minute shopping needs!” The sign outside read.
“Plastic or paper.”
Her smile turned to tears.
Crowley * United States
The Joy of the Season
With lights shining bright
our hearts full of glee,
all excited lights on the tree.
Presents awaiting the children's rush
parents stand aside, don't get caught in the crush
excitement enough to make even Santa blush.
Dave * United States
Kitty wishes for a special present on her Christmas Morning.
That was to be home with her loving family.
Opening her own presents.
Surrounded by her close-knit family.
But sadly she in hospital waiting on a
new heart.
Dawn * England
As many race out
to collect presents
I am here, alone
in need of presence
from a Father or Mother
I'd take an Uncle or Aunt
unfortunately, my family
don't bother
so this year I can't
get into the spirit
or fake a smile to get through -
this year I don't want anything
except for you
Earl Smith * United States
Donovan had a world all his own,
where unicorns and monster roam,
Dragons give chase,
To pirates in space,
He loves when his sword sings,
And flying high on Gryphon's wings.
When Donovan sleeps,
He no longer weeps,
When Christmas comes he asks for naught,
Except for maybe a protective robot,
To protect he and his mother,
From an abusive Father.
Donovan knows when he gets older,
He will not be like his father, he will be bolder.
To save those with no voice,
is really his only choice,
Donovan's only wish
is to be like the man who fed many with fish.
Edward Loud * United States
this child sits neither left nor right
beauty clearly shone
reflected by the lights and bulbs
wishes only for a home.
Einstein Noodle * United States
When my Wilson great gran was young, she had an orange
an’ a raggety dolly at Christmas.
An' great grandpa Knolly had a wooden gun his dad carved
with a sharp knife that once cut his thumb an' it bled
all over the floorboards.
They were neighbours, lived in tiny tied cottages belonging
to a land owner an' shared rabbit pie on Christmas.
But suddenly there was a big, nasty war, then few years
later. another one an' more. All over the world.
Lots of people died an' their mums an' dads an' all were
sad all the time til they were very old.
My today gran an' grandpa says things haven’t changed much
in fact they’ve got worse an' that's why
the sky keeps on crying.
Sooo please very much, my prayer's for a happy world where
everyone lives forever always.
Amen.
Emma * England
(Spanish)
Una mirada compasiva que acaricie mi semblante.
Una sonrisa que me inspire, alegría y paz.
Dos manos que me brinden un abrazo sincero de amor.
Una llamada apacible pronunciando mi nombre.
(English)
A compassionate gaze that caresses my countenance.
A laugh that inspires me; joy and peace.
Two hands that treat me with a sincere loving hug.
A gentle voice pronouncing my name.
Fidel Flores * Guatemala
translated by Marie Anzalone
In dark December while light shines low
A Christmas delight,lies just beneath the snow
new tomorrows to make their hearts glow
their wishes granted and dreams bestowed
yes, 'tis things as these ~a child believes
which makes it so.
Fran Marie * United States
Still innocent, even though innocence stolen,
she wished only that man would be kind,
that colour would not blind,
religion would not divide
that peace were an actuality,
not just a hopeful word.
And that the soldiers that had raped and killed her mother and sister,
would one day seek and be granted forgiveness,
not by her because this already done,
but by the higher power in whose name they fought.
Gee * England
I made a list, since it's Christmas, for those who don't believe in you.
For those who think that flying reindeer and a large man in a red bodystocking
diving down soot strewn chimneys with bags of toys and gifts is more fantasy than
gravational theory/ but i digress. I believe in you Santa with all my heart. I believe that people, even perfect strangers, can bring joy. I believe that there's a toy for even the porest child. Food for the hungry. A warm place for the homelsss. Peace for the fearful. Comfort for the hurt. A cooling rain for the fire ravaged. Beauty for the aesthetic. Acceptance for the lonesome. And a poem for every starving soul among us. Thank you Santa, in advance.
hde rushin * United States
I know you're out there
looking for a night
to enjoy
a magical train taking you far away
to your dreamland
or a ride with dear dear Santa claus
maybe some candy
and a late night cartoon?
I love you
You shall always remain in the warmest place
in my heart
covered in satin
Hope * Morocco
Ahupua'a
sacred earth, giver of life
nourishment and restoration
let us dwell there
barefoot as befits love
as the trembling girl to the boy
the babe to the mother
tirelessly sow contentment,
the honesty of true substance
to touch unfurling life,
ahupua'a - mountains to the sea
to feast on a humble catch
to savour just enough
deriving the knowledge of necessity
to build your hale stone by stone
the architecture that honors
you as my brother (ohana)
gaze now upon this eden
ranges trill proudly in grayscale
framing the windward side
bereft of the trades grazing lips
the hula sway of kalo and papaya
entices the courageous heart
this aina that penetrates my fiber
she strains beneath our weight
this homely place I adore
needs our humanity.
Island Hippy, Izzy * United States
For Christmas time this year
I don’t want a gift
Nor ride on a deer
But I want my mommy back
She has left our home
We’re all alone
My Daddy’s sad
And so are we
So could you please leave her
Neath our tree
John Smith * Canada
wherever you are mum and dad I miss you
bid you farewell
I never got to say goodbye or hug you
you were taken from me
I am now alone
but in God I trust
I know I must
(refugee child who lost his parents in war)
juliespenhere * Australia
My little, beautiful, smart child have you cried today?
Did your friends leave you alone and leave your loneliness too heavy to take away?
Did you smear your shining clothes yet you could not find anyone to confide to?
Did you lose your loving gift and keep looking for it all day in the wind?
My dear child, why did you hide yourself from me?
Is that because the wind blew off the candle, leaving you wandering alone in the darkness?
Please wipe off your tears. I would like to accompany you back home.
I will give you the greatest gift in the world, love.
JungLee * South/North Korea
Gift of believing
Bright belief of hope gives wee ones a Shining Christmas.
Wishing upon a star, “do you love me?”
Life all round our globe is held within each child.
Onward future calls, shining hope afar.
Love gifts its smiling embrace to every outstretched hand.
-Cold and exposed, look to us from scant supply.
We mustn’t ignore the smiles, the cries.
Ribbons of Love swaddle the vulnerable.
Life all round our globe is held within each child.
Kathy Van Kurin * United States
Open small words
The wishes of each child
Should speak to all who will not
Normally listen
To wisdom.
These are many.
Those that know more than a child.
But always fail the innocent, the blessed and the weak.
Ken Simm * Scotland
Young minds can see what the old cannot.
Innocence evades the presence of fear;
therefore one asks, for the gift of cheer-
hope, joy, love, peace on earth and what-not.
A gift for others and treasures untold;
a gift from babes a dream so bold.
KianaTahleigh * United States
Gentle Jesus, listen I pray
answer me today.
I come on bended knee
You know how your world should be.
Give us peace on earth...
we welcome your birth.
Fill each heart with love:
send to us that peaceful dove!
kitty * England
A little girl.
A lover of words.
Sitting upon the old bearded man's lap,
He's decked in red.
And she's asked what she wants,
And so she wishes everyone
Understood
And appreciated
Words the way she does.
"Words are beauty and peace,"
She declares.
"We need more of that."
Lexi Askew * Canada
Meet me in our kaleidoscope land.
where we speak no tongue,
no faith, colour, gender or race
our language is the truth,
when laughters meet the sun.
my gift to You, a Toy
to gather us in our dreams
making a new world,
of pure love and cherry gleams.
Light* Syria.
A hand to hold,
a place to rest,
the joyous hum of laughter still buzzing in his chest.
A word that’s whole;
peaceful and kind,
will be his whispered wish
for this Christmas time.
Lilly * Australia
Everyday seems the same
Season changes
Months passes
And then the month of Jesus come
It is special
Aura is different
Our soul evolves
And celebration begins
We are thankful for the whole year
Spirit of joy and togetherness
The sparkles of Christmas tree
Lights in every home
Littlewings * India
When the winds go cold,
then our friends grow bold.
Friends we’ve never even known.
It’s in our nature, of course,
to go to links to protect our source.
But I can’t help but see now,
it’s ingrained in us also to reach out.
Just looking around,
from a bench downtown,
while some may frown,
I think my own heart is found…
I see a woman buying cold medicine
for a child any people-watcher can tell is not hers.
She does it without even thinking of the sin
it would be if she didn’t ease his hurt.
Growing up Hebrew, I’ve never really understood
Christmas, presents, the market, the must;
but I do understand how even thunder would
change its tone, if it saw what we just.
Later, a homeless woman named Carol,
whom I see a lot in this city,
asked me could I please spare a
few bucks for a bottle of whiskey.
I said I can’t do that,
but you can have my coat and hat.
I’m not stingy about money,
like many of my creed are said to be;
but,in truth, a coat and hat is what you need.
It’ll keep you warm longer than a bottle of whiskey.
No longer having my coat or hat,
I couldn’t sit there much longer than that
(my bones are thin, if you get my gist).
Just long enough to consider this:
We become great photographers in the Fall,
but the Winter somehow makes friends of us all.
Winter Makes friends Of Us All
Louis McKraker
After the wonder
is replaced by doubt
and mystery
is long lost
in history
like empty packages
abandoned at the curb
There is a reason for the season
and it doesn't require buttons,
bows, or traditional wrappings.
Love, charity, and family,
don't require you
to cut down a tree.
Lyn Anderson * Ontario, Canada
Childlike wishes in joyful harmony
resonate further than a live symphony!
Margie * United States
(English)
Soap. Toothbrush. Potable water. A door that
I decide when to lock. Shelter that is more
than an afterthought. Food I did not use my body
to earn. To study, to know who I am. To be “enough.”
Family love. Acceptance by community.
To exist; be seen by you.
(Spanish)
Jabón. Cepilla de dientes. Agua potable. Una puerta
que yo decido cuando cerrar con cerradura. Alojamiento
que sea más que techo. Comida que no gané por
usar mi cuerpo. Estudiar, conocer, quien soy. Ser
“suficiente.” Amor familiar. Aceptación de comunidad.
Existir; ser visto, por ti.
Marie Anzalone * Guatemala
I'd like place where everyone can share and play together, and a big scary dinosaur.
mattavelli * USA (Adam, his four-year-old son)
I can't give the gift of life,
that's someone else's job -
maybe it's God's,
but thank Him anyway;
he hung the Milky Way -
you just need a clear sky
on a mountain top, away
from the city lights;
it's there you'll pray.
Maxwell Ryder * The Czech Republic
I wish for a beautiful world,
A beautiful world of mine,
I wish to have a loving heart,
A flower and some sunshine.
I wish my world be full of innocent giggles,
As a kid I would wish some true smiles.
I don't want all my dreams come true,
But there's a wish to dream of freedom till I live.
A special gift of freedom and love is all I need,
Some cakes baked with love and sweets with best wishes.
Someone to giggle and laughs with,
A pleasant silence and a lively rain to survive.
Some sweet talks, childish plays
And some wonderful memories I would love to keep.
I wish for a special relationship...
With each all wonderful hearts I meet.
A connection of souls,
Connected with love is all I need.
I wish, things be like this forever,
I should never grow up into manipulating mind,
I just never want to grow up,
This should be the special gift I wish for my world.
I wish the wars most end,
And peace should courageously stand.
May be you know the seven wonders on Earth,
But my vision as a child has seen seven millions till now.
Till my end,I wish to have all these wonders be with me.
The wonders forever would be a special gift for me.
MC (Aurora) * India
Stray
In the
Vacant lot
got new kittens.
Please God, let no one steal her family.
For they are small and still need their mummy.
Just like I do
for a bit
longer
time.
Mrudula Rani * Brasil
Dear Santa
I
Don’t need
No fancy presents
I
Don’t want
A Christmas tree
I
Want my Mum to
Get through chemo
I
Want her
Back home here with me
from
Neville Pettitt * England
for me
it was that doll
the one that had long eyelashes
traced in thin curving lines
framing her cornflower blue eyes
a perky nose and rose petal lips
curling at the corners
into the softest of smiles
you just knew
she was special
she was
the keeper of secrets..
olla * United States
Children wish for the Milk of human kindness ...
to see an Angel on a Christmas tree or a Candle of their Faith.... Family love and a dream come true... Music to dance to and presents to give and receive on Christmas Eve. The Wisemen with Gold,Frankincense and Myrrh... The Shepherd boy tending Sheep... finding the lost Lamb.
Patricia * United States
I would like a doll.
I would like a puppy dog.
I would like a big Christmas tree.
I would love to play in the snow.
I would like Santa to surprise me.
I want to see mummy smiling again.
I would like to come out of this coma.
I will today.
Paul Bell * Scotland
Did you see me today
Holding the world so tiny and blue
I formed a fire inside your womb
When I was told you asked me to
Did you hear me
Writing promises to angels in the innocence I know
Writing them down inside of you
My hands, barely their tool
Reaching, and
Every finger a promise made with time
You made a promise there too, to keep me safe
And I will try to change the strange world I have heard
It was yours to change long ago
But now we are bound
Did you see me
Today, my hands into yours
Writing the promises we will share
Did you feel me-
Floating in the colors of your gift
Floating in the waters of our eyes
Today~
Perdition * United States
She is one of four million
Holding back their tears
When the others catch the bus
A parentless child refugee
And the victim of a conflict crisis
That Is destroying her normality
Arti prayers are very simple
For she longs only one gift
To be allowed an education
Not for self-ascription
But to one day help to foster
A new peace in her native land
Phillozofee * United Kingdom
The fire is now banked,
Four heads lay asleep upstairs;
One is listening--
"Huff, puff...POOF!" in comes Santa,
To a child's sparkling eyes.
PurpleMuse * United States
A bright-eyed child in wonder smiled …
innocent face aglow.
She’d prayed with care that everywhere
soft peaceful love would grow.
Her eyes she closed and was transposed
into an angel true.
Sadly, you see, she’d been set free …
when bombs of Isis flew!
Richard * United States
We are the children of the world. 1
We are heirs to a heavenly kingdom
Please love and protect us.
Please love, hold and teach us,
shelter clothe and feed us.
We will love you unconditionally
in return.
Let the angels sing Halieluiah!!!
Richie b. * United States
(Spanish)
El viento fuerte quisiera helar los corazones ardientes,
Y el paciente sol con suavidad derrite el hielo de la mente
aunque los adultos se encierran en sus neveras
los magos disfrutan los helados de todos sabores y colores
siempre un niño es un mago cuando nace navidad.
Ellos son capaces de mostrar sonrisas congeladas
y sus luceros inspiran luces de colores
mientras sus manos esperan atrapar luciérnagas de navidad
pues enredados en sus juegos se olvidan de las sombras.
(English)
The fierce wind would freeze blazing hearts
and the patient sun, with gentleness, melt the ice in minds
even though adults lock themselves in freezers
magicians enjoy ice cream of all colors and flavors
and children are always magicians when Christmas is born.
They are able to present frozen smiles
and their stars inspire colored lights
while their hands hope to capture Christmas fireflies
tangled in their games, they forget about shadows.
Rita Santos * Guatemala
translated by Marie Anzalone
Might Holly be round, hot mince pies for eyes,
Mistletoes she goes, with Carol profound,
And Ivy in tow, tied with seasonal sighs,
Our Teresa groaning with Brexiting highs.
RJ Askew * United Kingdom
Dear Santa I know I’m asking a lot
but what I want for Christmas is nothing...
for me.
Though I don't have much I still have plenty.
So my only wish this Christmas
is that everyone less fortunate than me
will have as much or more than me.
The Rock and Roll Cowboy * United States
Upon that night a boy and girl
joined hands and made a wish.
He wished for toys like all the boys,
she wished for a full dish.
You see they both are homeless now,
they have no mom or dad.
The boy is six and she is nine,
the world has left them sad.
Then, together they said a prayer,
"Oh, please, Dear God, I pray
that you give every boy and girl
a home this Christmas Day."
Sammi * United States
Troubled world, hatred fraught
Divided, split in two
Remember now the lessons taught
By Christ, whose love is true
We are brethren, sisters, all
A cloth of single strand
Woven by the master's awl
Into this race called Man
Merry Christmas, peace on earth
May love rule all the land
Samuel Dickens * United States
Her life had fallen fast,
watching sand through the hourglass,
Christmas bulbs shattered,
Tree stars battered,
mommy and daddy were having another fight,
arguing over who was right,
the raindeers cried; the snowman bled,
the snowy lights flickered until dead,
the weeping child whispered to the chimney uptop,
"All I want for Christmas is to make this all stop"
Sarah_Allen_Poe * United States
A Christmas tree decked in lovely colours
and all the gifts wrapped up with love below.
The happy face of my little sister
who can’t wait to play outside in the snow.
Christmas cards sent with love and good wishes
hung on pretty ribbons across the wall,
I want to read them every single one
even those from friends that I don’t recall.
The turkey is cooking, it smells so good;
I want to help my mum make some mince pies.
There are candles lit as carols are sung
about shepherds and three men that were wise.
I love this story of the miracle;
I’ll ask for one for Christmas if I might.
I’ll ask baby Jesus and Santa Claus
if I could have the gift that gives me sight.
Stella Armour * United Kingdom
This Holy night,
hands clasping tight,
my Christmas wish anew …
lest we forget
when shadows threat ...
Salvation's found in You.
Till final day,
we find our way �"
watch closely from above.
Erase all fears,
dry fallen tears,
with mercy, grace, and love.
Susan Capozzi * United States
A morsel in a day
she scarcely eats
But like million other hearts,
hers one also beats
To no God she was introduced
Had none to abide with,
alone since birth
Still she prays peace to be
bestowed on this earth
Tahsin.Z * Bangladesh
He’d be privy to her secrets
none of which he would ever share
The lifelong friend, who in the end
Could only be “her” Teddy Bear
Tate Morgan * United States
A child may ask for a toy,
or snow on a winter's day.
But if their hearts could really speak
in words, I think they'd say:
'peace' and 'love' cause happiness,
I'll use them when we play.
They'll fill up all our sadness
I think I'll start today.
Tim * United States
Christmas wish
For a child living in a refugee camp
I wish for a home of our own
with some land to grow our crops and keep our animals
Where we could live in peace
Wild Rose
Children in California,is asking for a new home.
children in Syria is asking for peace in the land,
the children from Mexico is asking God for the promised land,
and we here in America is thanking God for what we have.
Merry Christmas to one and all
wordman * United States
With each passing day when my
mother tucks me in bed, and I hear
those scary planes that fly over our home,
though my mother says they're
but God's angels to protect us
from whatever bad things,
I know better when I see bloodied
shoes strewn all over streets
when I go to school every other day...
for just this once,
like every other december,
just one small wish:
Dear Santa, let the bed bugs bite,
for they can't be worse than those
scary planes that fly over our home...
(Written from the perspective of a child from the war-stricken areas of Pakistan.)
Dr.YumnaKay * Pakistan