I bend to gently kiss you,
When I see that on the floor,
There's a letter neatly written,
And I wonder who it's for.

I quietly unfold it,
Making sure you're still asleep,
It's a Christmas list for Santa,
One my heart will always keep.

It started just as always,
With the toys seen on TV.
A new watch for your father,
And a winter coat for me.

But as my eyes read on,
I could see that deep inside,
There were many things you wished for,
That your loving heart would hide.

You asked if your friend Molly,
Could have another Dad,
It seems her father hits her,
And it makes you very sad.

Then you asked dear Santa,
If the neighbor down the street,
Could find a job so he could have,
Some food, and clothes, and heat.

You saw a family on the news,
Whose house had blown away.
"Dear Santa, send them just one thing,
A place where they can stay."

"Do you know my little bear,
The one I love so dear?"
I'm leaving it for you to take,
To Africa this year."

"And as you fly your reindeer,
On this night of Jesus' birth,
Could your magic bring to all,
Goodwill and peace on earth?"

"There's one last thing before you go,
So grateful I would be,
If you'd smile at Baby Jesus,
In the manger by our tree.

I pulled the letter close to me,
I felt it melt my heart.
Those tiny hands had written,
What no other could impart.