The Value of the Gift

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Mon, 14 Jan 2019
  • 3854 reads
17 comments
 

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]

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Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I couldn't agree with you more Rhiannon. Wise words indeed in this poem.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Jenny. I enjoyed writing it, too! I do remember trying to convince a teenage son that the difference in what he'd spent on his varioius nieces didn't matter, nor that a book had been actually bought 'nearly new'! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Another really good take on the IP, thank you Rhiannon. You are perfectly right about presents - it can be a real minefield

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Insert. Yes, sometimes maybe just a card, a smile, or a phone call might be best! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks for the cherries. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

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.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jane. Yes, it's lovely if you are able to show you've seen something to do or give that will be really appreciated, irrespective of cost. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

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

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Token gifts that are thoughtful because the person knows you well and cares for what pleases you can be lovely. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

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

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

 … and it's always satisfying to yourself if you think of something that will give pleasure also. As I said somewhere above, I can remember telling my son that there was no problem in giving a book he'd found second hand. Thanks for commenting and sharing. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

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

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

yes, thanks, Di. As you get older, it also needs thought about how many gifts it is best to buy, and see what appropriate small gifts there are for some, but I often find I'm short of shopping time, and ideas, and quite often, especially for birthdays, have to pray for inspiration, and leave it awhile, and realise a little while later, that something has come to mind! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by forest_for_ever on

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.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Graham. Token gifts can bring a lot of pleasure when they obviously indicate love and concern. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Nolan on

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 &&

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Nolan. A small sacrifice of time, or to thought, is better spending and more costly sometimes than just spending money for form's sake! Rhiannon