Bell Ringer

Christmas scenes,

cards with different sayings,

different messages.

Patrons comparing and making the right choice

to share with friends.

Outside the store,

the red-jacketed Salvation Army fellow

had a new twist on his ringing.

With the jingling of the bells

came dancing and singing.

Jazz that Lionel Hampton could have enjoyed,

tapping and swaying,

seeming to bubble from the fellow.

Such music that many dug a little deeper

and added the coins clinking

into the pot for the needy.

A special gift of the season.