The Heart’s Goodwill

Julian Ibarra

Is it the smiles and laughter

that draws me forth?
Or my group’s pleasant chatter
That’s of pleasant worth?

On lawn chairs and towels

The community awaits
They’re looking for the ​Owls
Who will not be late.

Here’s to the little boy

who said “thank you,”
As I dropped in a piece
And a second, to make two.

Beside her was the girl

Gracious in receiving
For days her cousin Earl
Will be from her treat bag retrieving.

Let’s not forget the dad

The mom and grandparents too
‘Twas a season of giving glad
With a spirit far from new.

In truth it was just candy

We were handing to them all
Nancy, Sarah, Mandy
“More please,” they would call.

But I felt more than that of a giver

As my actions returned to me
The joy of Christmas--delivered!
My heart’s goodwill was key.