When I Wasn’t Looking

"The sooner you go to sleep
The sooner Christmas will come
Just close those beautiful eyes
And dreams will come one by one."

Oh, that’s hardly good advice
When you’re six and full of hope
There’s just so much I might miss
How’s a first grader to cope?

I’m staring at the ceiling
I’m listening down the hall
I’m watching shadowed windows
There’s Christmas gifts for one and all

The minutes stretch on like hours
Hours resemble days on end
The passing of the dark night
Wondering, "What did grandma send?"

Somehow midst the faithful watch
Eyelids slipped on past the guard
Hearts let down by weary eyes
Staying awake is oh so hard

Moment slip and I’m awake
Suddenly cross with myself
Daylight came- I didn’t know
The clock teases from the shelf

I run downstairs - check the tree
Presents wrapped for girl and boy
I didn’t need to see it -
The coming of Christmas joy

Each Christmas parents watch it
And it never fails to please
The awe-filled eyes of childhood
Opening presents on their knees