“And In the Red Box” by Alice Walker

Submitted by Barbara Quintiliano. Barbara Quintiliano is the nursing, life sciences, and instructional services librarian at Falvey Memorial Library and she submitted this poem by Alice Walker. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday it can be easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget about those less fortunate than us, and children who aren’t hoping for the latest high tech gadget, but proper school supplies.

“And In the Red Box”
By Alice Walker

And in the red box
tied with red ribbons
tell me justice lies
and school books for children
tell me there is
a sandwich
for the man
starving
on the corner.
Tell me when Christmas
comes
peace
and a warm fire
happiness
and
joy
an end
to selfishness
comes with it.