The Value of the Gift
By Rhiannonw
- 3809 reads
To give a present less in value
than others give – in terms of money –
can be a Christmas fear for some
– and debt results if they succumb.
And sometimes estimates of what
the others paid for gifts is not
reliable, for special offers
compete to fill the retail coffers.
And anyway what pleases most
is not the gift that much cash cost,
but that which shows a thoughtfulness,
a glimpse of love, real interest.
The courage to give what cost less,
and not just flaunting to impress,
may take the time a craft to make,
or run and errand, bake a cake …
…suchlike gives ‘added value’, lifts
the ‘less’ becoming ‘more’, these gifts
no price commercial have, prized treasure,
providing much refreshing pleasure.
[IP: less is more]
- Log in to post comments
Comments
I couldn't agree with you
I couldn't agree with you more Rhiannon. Wise words indeed in this poem.
Jenny.
- Log in to post comments
Another really good take on
Another really good take on the IP, thank you Rhiannon. You are perfectly right about presents - it can be a real minefield
- Log in to post comments
There's a lot of truth in
There's a lot of truth in this poem Rhiannon. Everything is so competitive thesedays and if feels as if we're being carried on an ever growing wave of materialism and if you can't keep up you'll drown. 'A glimpse of love, real interest' is a true gift.
- Log in to post comments
It was just me and
It was just me and my brother for Chrismas so that exchanging cash gifts wouldn't really make sense he woke me up early so he gave me a slab chocolate wrapped up. The day was peaceful it was quite pleasant. A non-event.
The best gift doubtless is something you made yourself. It is costless and it is inherently priceless. Like a love letter.
All the best! Tom
- Log in to post comments
Also "A grammar of the English language"
Also "A grammar of the English language" I'm reading it it is educational I actually find it very interesting. It's by a William Cobbett a classic. A brilliant present yes. He bought it second hand it couldn't have been expensive.
There was also one on the history of the English language.
Stay well! Tom Brown
- Log in to post comments
maybe it's something you have
maybe it's something you have to learn yourself - I always thought as a child that bought was best, both to give and receive. But grown up now treasure things my Dad made and much prefer a story or poem my son has written. If you do get too hung up on equality of price remember about " time is money" so the time spent thinking about and looking for the perfect gift easily tops buying the first thing you see that costs more.
Another one of your important life lesson poems :0) You should make them into a book of advice verse
- Log in to post comments
You've done it again
i loved this poem. I spent years splashing cash thinking it would impress. Then my daughter came along with gifts that meant so much and I was transformed. A message of love in each gift. Caring...a huge plus in the world of giving.
- Log in to post comments
best things in life
Yes as they always say the best things in life are free, a smile, a bit of manners to old people, sunshine air and water. Just show that you really thought of someone maybe made just a small sacrifice. Not taking anyone for granted. And sometimes just peace and quiet!
Nolan &&
- Log in to post comments