Presents

I’m counting the presents
under our tree
and hoping that big one’s
intended for me.

It’s right at the back
so, not making a sound,
I get on my tummy
and wriggle around.

I reach out a finger.
It’s squidgy and ... oh!
Now I’m in trouble,
I think I should go!

A knitted blue jumper
spills out on the floor,
and I can hear footsteps,
the creak of the door.

I stay very still.
Maybe no one will see
that I’m lying here, hidden
by gifts, round our tree.

Sam? says my mum,
Are you in there? I freeze.
She pauses, she listens
then finally leaves!

I crawl back out slowly.
I’m feeling quite glad
that the large squidgy gift
isn’t mine, but my dad’s.

But hey, wait a minute,
what’s this one, right here?
I reach out and grab it …
and Mum reappears!

Her face is like thunder.
Help! What can I do?
I smile at her sweetly,
Here, this one’s for you!