The Christmas Shoes

by Amelia

It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say
 
He heard the news from strangers, a discussion they held,
The words hard hurtful and cold into him carved and nailed.
Turning back down the alley, starring at his home,
With a heart felt sigh he knew he had to sell all he owned.
 
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
 
Going from one business to another trying his best,
To sell his possessions only receiving questions to his task of test.
The shadow he did not see found more than what was said,
The truth he saw in the haunted eyes of blue that the soul fed.
 
He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes
 
On the darkened steps he sat in the light of the moon,
The shadow sat as well requesting, "Brother Vin, what causes such a wound?"
His bowed head rises, despair his face is completely filled,
“Not a penny I could get for the orphans that have nothing, their fate is sealed."
 
So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great
 
“Son as long as there is hope there is always a chance still burning”
With that spoken the shadows grew out, Vin saw when turning.
“Boys what this," Vin asked of a sack held out in Chris's hands,
Chris answered, "Word spread of your action and together all the town banded."

I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about
 
Celebration could be heard all through the town,
Joy singing clearly of what had been accomplished ringing around.
“A toast I propose gentlemen to this most Holy night,
For Vin reminding us all of Christmas' true light."
 

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