By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
It was late one night near the end of December,
When I received a call, I will always remember.
It was from my good friend Rob, calling to discern
The meaning of the holidays, he asked what I learn’d.
He talked about frenzied people chasing every last toy,
And forgetting that holidays were meant to bring joy.
We talked about people screaming in one another’s faces.
Fighting over trivial things, like close parking spaces.
As we sat there talking late that cold night,
I said to myself, this surely is not right.
The holidays mean more than Rob’s sad talk
Of gift buying and fruit cakes drier than chalk.
As I sat there thinking, trying to comprehend all,
My mind became empty, so I thought of baseball.
When all of a sudden, I heard a knock at my door,
Then to prove it was real, the knock came once more.
Standing before me were three wise men.
Angels of course, but not sent from heaven.
They said “we are here to give you words of advice
On what makes the holidays so special and nice.”
The first one to speak had a smile that was most bright.
He was gifted and fleet and said “In the field I play right.”
I grabbed my recorder to capture his words.
To miss this chance would be utterly absurd.
Here’s what he said, the man they call Torii.
He spoke of his childhood and the miracle story.
Somehow he made me laugh with talk of green men.
But alas, unfortunately his talk came to an end.
Next up to speak was the man they call “skip”.
In the dugout, he’s at the helm of the ship.
For his speech, he counted his blessings.
And of family feasts with great table settings.
Last up spoke a man, who was one child of eleven.
The owner of the team, thank goodness, thank heaven.
Thank you Arte say his fans one and all.
Next year indeed, we shall see October baseball.
So Rob, there you have, there’s more to the holidays
Than frantically shopping and avoiding the praying.
Family and food, that’s what makes the holidays best.
At least according to three from the A.L. West.
To AngelsWin.com Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah too!
All are welcome here, whether you are Christian or Jew.
May your New year be blessed, may it be prosperous!
May good health be yours, may the fates smile upon us.