It was on a Christmas eve
when Lola Palola, all of six
sat near the little Xmas tree
scribbling down her wish list.

First was a doll with golden hair
like the one her best friend had.
A dress and ribbons were next
in the letter meant for Santa.

It was on a Christmas eve
when Lola Palola, all of sixteen
put the last angel on the tree
and laid the table with treats.

She walked with dreamy eyes
without a care in the world
smiling and sharing kisses
under the ruby red mistletoe.

It was on a Christmas eve
when Lola Palola, all of thirty
told her own children to believe
in the power of their good deeds.

As she saw their little lists,
she herself had only one wish.
That her love returns safely
from the war across the seas.

It was on a Christmas eve
when Lola Palola, all of fifty
saw all of her family gather
around the little Xmas tree.

The hearth was warm with fire
as she joined her hands in prayer
and sang with thanks in her heart
Of the joys of Christmas day.