When The Lights Go Out

When she was small she recalled a dream, a fond desire on Christmas day
She sat and stared out at the snow, that gently painted her bicycle frame
Glowing white in the cold crisp night

And as she gazed out over the town, she wondered how the whole world feels
Were they as happy as her heart, warmed with gifts and smiles and cheers
Were they laughing or dancing too?

Or huddled neath the hearts and hearth, so many lights that flickered on
She counted through the blue-white eve, and listened for the sound of song
Of bells that jangled out with joy

In every house around the world, she wanted suddenly to be
To bask in surprise and delight, and witness their frivolity
Of happy families - united

A little wish - to share some joy, and gasp at toy and tinsel bright
But then be back where she belongs, warmed by love in chilly night
And the dream endured the years unfulfilled

But that was now so long ago, and many seasons had now flown
Today though, she plans the day, to please these children of her own
To try to make their dreams come true

But now she knew and understood, that back there in the candlelight
The truth her infancy had not seen, of her sweet wishes, on snowy night
Was what a child sees

For every gladness felt by some, was loneliness that still remains
In empty home and empty heart, unrequited love and hidden pain
Would endure the withered mistletoe

So now she wished a noble wish, to replace her childish naivety
That the world would stop and care, for more than one day of revelry
And not compelled by calendar

So that when the coloured lights go out, and trees dismantled for another time
Those that lag in human race, we help to cross the finish line
No longer enslaved to selfishness

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