After my morning walk with the dog,

which the cold and wind had made quite a slog,

I saw eight bags under the tree in my yard,

through my mind’s morning fog.

Each bag had a tag,

what a sight I shan’t brag,

but overnight, it appeared, Santa’d visited this stag.

I looked at one tag

‘fore I tore in to the bag.

What I saw would have stunned all my relation.

I looked at my dog and exclaimed, “tarnation!”

You see, each bag had a tag,

and they said “For donation.”

“Boy, to get through this, I’ll need a libation.”

I ran to the house just as fast as a mare,

rifled through my drawers and wanted to swear.

“Where are all my old clothes?” I thought with despair.

Then it dawned on me as my drink I did pour;

I’d seen a man with bags the night before.

Not Santa, but like him this man was portly

I’d tried so hard to act covertly.

I cursed myself and then I swore,

“The man with the bags was me,”  I said curtly.

. . .

Each bag had a tag,

and they said “For donation.”

These gifts will help others improve their station.

I went back to my drawers,

got down on all fours,

saw less stuff and said with elation,

“Each bag had a tag,

and they said ‘For donation.’

Buying things, for others, may be a temptation,

but for me purging is my new vocation

and might just be my ticket to salvation.”

________________

Last night, in less than one hour of work, my wife and I filled eight giant garbage bags with old clothes for donation to the Epilepsy Foundation. We got to declutter some of our house, lighten the burden of possessions, earn a tax write-off, and contribute to a worthwhile cause. Christmas is a time for giving, and I encourage you to give. And you may just free yourself by making donations.