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Open Poetry #45
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The Little Tin Tree (from 2001)
| Open Poetry #45 |
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The Little Tin Tree (from 2001) |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada 
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 ~* The Little Tin Tree *~ I met a little girl on the East side of Vancouver, Holding a tin can and inside burned a candle so bright. I asked, "Why are you out in the dark by yourself?" She said, “I need a Christmas tree for tonight.” She wanted to surprise her Mother, and Brother, Just so excited about that can held in her hand. Someone threw a wasted candle out their window, So she ran to catch it before it could land. She said she was not supposed to play with matches, So she asked someone to light the candle for her. She smiled and said her tree would last longer Than any real one that sheds like Douglas fir. I asked may I to go with her to meet her family, Surprisingly she held my hand ever so tight. We walked somewhere I would never go alone, Especially in downtown Vancouver at night. My heart broke when I saw where she took me, For they lived in an alley,so dark and cold. It was with simple pride her mother told me, That her Marie had a heart of pure gold. I agreed with her and asked ever so carefully, Was there anything that I could possibly do? I offered her money for food, or some presents, Ensured her they'd all be wrapped, and brand new. I was shocked at what I heard next. She said, “Thank you, we're really alright." We have shelter at the Mission over there, And a warm beds and food for tonight. Then she looked at me again and said, “Wait! There is something I could ask of you." Do you have an old artificial Christmas tree? I’d like to surprise them andanything would do.” “Of course”, I said “I will be back this evening”. I'd leave it on this stoop and left to do my best. I'd bring a tiny tree for Marie, her and David, Making a Christmas for them now had become my quest. I phoned the Gospel Mission and got the dinner time. Then quickly, got my neighbours on deck to assist. We arrived at the alley with presents and a tree, I don’t think there was one thing we missed! I was so proud of my neighbours for helping, As they donated gifts from under their own tree, That told me a lot of their characters, To stop plans on Christmas Eve to come and help me. We hid and waited for them to come home, But also to make sure nothing was taken. To this day I will never forget their faces, At the sight of the tree, and the presents they were shaking! Oh, I know it was only one Christmas, And only one family we helped out that day, But it has stuck with me how fortunate I am, And that feeling will never, ever go away. ~* This was an actual true story from 2001 about one family that made it from the streets, but there are millions more unfortunately. No one deserves to live that way.*~ Please be kind and open your heart and pocketbooks to them this season, and all year.  Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Sharon, you have a heart as big as Christmas itself. Merry Christmas to you, my friend..  |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Good thing Michael, as I can't rhyme with a darn!  You get all better you hear, as I may come down in 2010 and give you all a runabout!  |
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Oklahoma Rose Senior Member
since 2008-02-28
Posts 1586Oklahoma USA |
Sharon this is beatuiful. Like Balladeer said, you do have a big heart. I still remember all the ways you helped me, when I first came to Pip. You are inside my heart. And, there you will always be. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
A beauiful reminder of the spirit of giving. Have a great holdiay season, Sharon. |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Dear Sharon that is such a beautiful story, Heart touching and poignant, written by a very kind hearted and compassionate lady. Love and a big hug for the festive season. Lindsay |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Beautiful Sharon.You have a beautiful heart. late |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
You didn't even need to add that it's a true story... I know how big your heart is! *S* Thank you for posting this reminder to be grateful for what we have and as generous as we can be to those who have less... |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Thank you all for reading that again. My life has been just so hectic that I don't have time these days to myself to sit down to write a thing. It is so cold here in Vancouver and finally the city is finding a place to house those homeless that need shelter if they want it that is. Some do not. With the Olympics coming I am sure their motive was to remove them from sight, but nonetheless, they get shelter finally! Happy New Year everyone! |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
oh Sharon how special you and this poem are thank you... |
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