My first Texas Christmas
Was really rather strange.
Far from being cold and white
It was in a higher range.

I was looking forward to the day
With what might be called glee
For I had been invited by a girl
To share her Christmas tree.

There would be four, I was told.
Father. mother. Pat and me.
I should come sometime after one.
Dinner would be at half-past three.

So dressed in my very best
And looking pretty neat
I walked the mile or two
In the winter heat.

Pat met me at the door
With a lovely smile.
Just for this I could
Have walked another mile.

Then she led me to her room
So I could hang my jacket.
And with a kiss of greeting
She gave me a little packet.

I still have this gift from Pat
That was given years ago
It wasn‘t something I could use
But a treasure I sometimes show.

Pat’s folks were lots of fun
And treated me very nice
But somehow it wasn't quite
Like home with snow and ice

Dinner was really something grand
Fancy silver, china, and candles too
Linen napkins inside rings
To me there was much that was new

The food was good but sort of odd
1 thought it must be a Texas habit
Instead of the turkey I expected
There was black eyed peas and rabbit.

It was dark when I left my friend
After a very pleasant day.
Except when she showed me to the door
She said "I have something to say,"

"Remember the Jerry you met at church?
The one who lives in anothcr state?
" I nodded that I did and heard from her
"Well, I have promised to be his mate."

Life is what happens to you when you are making other plans.

jhs