Time, Talent, Treasure

[Maureen Delaney]

TIME, TALENT, TREASURE

Twas the month before Yuletide
And all through the land
People were rallying
and lending a hand.

There’s Mary Malone
who knits up a storm
To keep those less fortunate
toasty and warm.

Benny’s talent lies in baking
He bakes wonderful cookies and cakes
Benny has a secret
He shares everything he makes.

Olga keeps her coins
in the cushions of her chair.
Although her funds are meager
there’s plenty enough to share.

She makes three piles for tithing
Never doubting it was true
That which you give away
always returns to you.

A cry is heard upon the land
it’s young Tommy Tapers.
His bike was stolen late last night
he used it for delivering papers.

His mom and dad are both laid off
with his paper route he is able
to provide some coin and relief
and help put food upon their table.

Old Mike Medeiros hears the cry
he’ll be eighty in May.
He fixes up old bikes
Gives them to neighborhood kids to play.

He chose a bike, appraised it
sorted tools and parts.
A few things he was missing
Said Mike “hey it’s a start”.

He sanded, screwed and bolted
taking gentle care.
When it was done he knew
the bike would show no wear.

He searched and searched his parts
and nowhere could he find
any paint or any primer
he was somewhat in a bind.

Young Sully from across the street
pulled up in his van
Hey, I’ll be right back, Mr. Mike
young Sully had a plan.

He was back in just a jiffy
paint and primer in his hand.
This should do the trick,
here, let me help you sand.

Thought you were saving all your coins
for that video game, Mike said.
Nah, it’s okay, said Sully,
look the paint’s called Racer Red!

Into Sully’s van
the bike was gently placed
As they turned around the couldn’t believe
how many neighbors that they faced.

Mary put a hat and scarf
upon the van’s front seat
Benny blushed as he placed a cake
“it’s always nice to have a sweet”.

Olga’s coin had multiplied
neighbors and friends had come to share.
Food was loaded in the van
they gave everything they could spare.

At Tommy’s house tears freely flowed
As friends and strangers unloaded the van.
Tommy and his family thanked and hugged
every child, woman and man.

Where were you, son, Tommy’s daddy asked
We thought you’d be late for our holiday meal.
The food upon their table and plates
made the whole day seem a bit surreal.

Miss McGhee’s not feeling well
And I had a plan that maybe
she would try to rest and sleep
if I stayed and rocked the baby.

Miss McGhee was all alone
except for Baby Starr
the little money that she earned
Could only be stretched so far.

The Taper’s looked around their table
so many blessings sitting there
They smiled and said together
there’s plenty here to share.

So they loaded plates and platters
never doubting it was true
that what you gave away
always returned to you.

Time, talent, treasure
We all have some to spare
So lend a hand, five cents, a minute
to give others loving care.

Twas the day before Yuletide and a cry was heard
“Love, peace and prosperity
Brightest Blessings to you all”
And all answered Blessed Be!

(Author Maureen Delaney)