Easter

I'm still not sure if this poem started out as a limerick or if a limerick was inspired by this poem. They seemed to just come about at the same time. I was trying to think of something to write in Mary's Easter card and I started thinking about the outward signs of Easter. So much has been said and written about the commercialization of holidays, especially religious holidays.

But it just seemed like as I started thinking about those things that are associated with Easter, the death and resurrection of the Savior was always one of those, "Oh yes, and also..." or "But of course the real meaning is.... It's like it is something that's in the back of our minds but somehow looses its importance amidst all the glitter.

I guess that this poem says that its OK to celebrate the coming of spring and give presents and gather as families but try not to forget the true meaning of Easter.

Gale L. Wolfenbarger

3 April 1988

Easter

It's Easter, it's Easter,

Just look at the stores.

There're rabbits on counters

And rabbits on floors.

There're bright colored grasses

And eggs that are blue.

There're candies and chocolates

And strawberry chews.

There're children with baskets,

And moms with new hats,

And families assembled

To eat and to chat.

There're parades and parties

With eggs you must hunt,

And picnics in backyards

And games in the front.

And when it's all over

And eggs found that were hid,

Did you think of the Savior

And all that He did.

Did you think of his suffering,

His pain and His strife,

How He showed us his love,

How He layed down His life?

Did you think of the things

You can never repay?

Did you pause for a moment?

Did you take time to pray?

Our lives are all full

In a marvelous way

With the things that He gives us

Each passing day.

So take just a moment

As you celebrate spring,

And lift up your voice

In praises and sing.

Give thanks to your Maker

For each passing day

And the Son that He gave us

The first Easter day.

Gale L. Wolfenbarger

1 April 1988