We lost my father this year. He was a generous man and spent almost every second of every day in service to his fellow man the last several years of his life despite being is severe pain. He always encouraged my writing, my education and my family. I wrote this poem “The Christmas Tree” in memory of him during this Christmas Season. If it provides you any hope or comfort please consider donating to Shriners Hospital for Children by clicking here, an excellent sustainable organization that provides healthcare for children at no cost to them. My experience with Shriner’s, both as a medical doctor and as a Freemason, has shown me what an exceptional program they are.

The Christmas Tree

By Alexander Bradley Griffin

The first of December we chose the tree
It was full, lush and tall as could be
I felled it expertly, ax sharp as razor
And lashed it to the truck, twice for good measure
In the morning the tree stood in the entry
Wrapped in twine ready to greet the gentry
“Papi lets hurry and put up the lights”
Said my boy on tippy toes reaching the heights
We wrapped the tree in bulbs so fantastic
My boy could barely hold back, so enthusiastic
I opened the chest labeled “Christmas past”
And saw the first ornament on which my hand was cast
“I was six when grandpa taught me to fish
I made him this ornament for granting my wish”
My boy placed the ornament on the tree with care
I looked longingly at the memory held in there
The second ornament, golden “Bryce National Park”
“From our first vacation on which we went on a lark
Here Grandpa taught me maps and the stars
Alone in the wilderness the world was ours”
My boy placed the ornament on the tree with care
I looked longingly at the memory held in there
The third ornament was ball containing a train
It moved on its tracks across a magical domain
“We bought a new moving ornament every year
As I attached it to the lights I was filled with cheer
This train is significantly older than me
And one day I hope it brings my grandchildren glee”
My boy placed the ornament on the tree with care
I looked longingly at the memory held in there.
We continued with each ornament from my past
Until the final one arrived at last
I then opened the chest labeled “Christmas present”
And saw the first ornament from a blessed event
My sons hospital bracelet from his birth divine
Hanging in a bulb with a small piece of twine
“I remember the day you came to our life
His face is so handsome said the midwife”
My boy placed the ornament on the tree with care
I look happily at the memory held in there
The second ornament was the Statue of Liberty
“Our first cross country trip to learn our history
We drove and strove every day to have fun
How small it all seemed from World Trade Center one”
My boy placed the ornament on the tree with care
I looked happily at the memory held in there
The third ornament a laminated photo of the children
“To mom” in whom your whole love is instilled in
I thought as I looked at the photo with joy
The children would give her all, even their favorite toy
My boy placed the ornament on the tree with care
I looked happily at the memory held in there
We continued with each ornament from today
Until the final one and the chest put away.
We topped the tree with a star of gold
That reflected the light across the stories being told
We went to bed thinking Christmas is near
And what that really means the rest of the year
The next morning came as any holiday should
Time with loved ones and the neighborhood
A loud knock then came at the door
My boy ran slip and sliding across the floor
He returned with a box with no return address
I opened it thinking, what secret does it posses
Therein lied a chest labeled “Christmas Future”
I stared at the this in a full stunned stupor
I opened the lid to reveal what was inside
I saw there a picture of me and my bride
Housed in silver adorned with golden wire
And a letter addressed “Son” that set my soul afire
“Son I can’t be there for Christmas this year
But please don’t worry, have no fear
I am happy, telling stories of you to my Dad
He never knew you, and for that he was sad,
But now he knows you and family long gone
Son the past should be remembered but not dwelt on
Live in the present, apply the lessons of life
Look to the future, your beautiful wife”
I walked to the tree taking in our life
Days filled with happiness but also with strife
I place the ornament on the tree with care
I looked hopefully at the future held in there.