the hidden gifts

we would shake
the wrapped gifts, throw
the wrapped
football
to one another in the cold
basement.
things were not hidden
very well.
the new bike
with a ribbon on it,
behind
the steps.
a pair of skates in a box.
the doll that cried
when turned
upside down.
the bat wrapped tight
in a candy cane print,
the ball and glove
too.
we had so little, but
amazingly,
somehow
we had Christmas.