This is the story of a king whose reign was long and glorious.
His fairness and generosity gave him the Nickname Santa de Laureles.
When Laureles was born his parents designed a wreath shaped crown,
which they kept as a gift for the future coronation of their son.
As he grew into a man he embraced the duties of his station,
but shunned all formalities and social affectations.
As a young king he was beloved by everyone in his kingdom,
he was also a favorite among all other lands and dominions.
One day word came from the far away city of Bethlehem,
about the imminent arrival of the new holy King.
Laureles set out on a journey to meet and honor Him.
It is said that Laureles packed his famous diadem,
intending to bestow it as a gift to the newborn King.
While the crown was a poor fit for a little holy one,
who had no need for extravagant gifts of gems,
Nikolas wanted to express his faith and love to his new friend.
Along the way Nikolas and his group were caught in a severe sand storm.
The desert howled and by the storm’s end the landscape was transformed.
The camp was in disarray and the legendary wreath was no where to be found.
All were forlorn but continued on, arriving in Bethlehem days later at dawn.
While this is a story of days bygone,
the memory of Laureles and his kindness lives on.
