THAT CHRISTMAS EVE

He wasn’t there

(I know).

The jolly fat man

In the red snowsuit.

He wasn’t there.

My mother told me later

He couldn’t have been there

Bending over near the chimney

Straightening up the toys.

He wasn’t there.

And he didn’t turn and nod

To me standing barefoot

In my nightgown

Chilled and thrilled

At the kitchen door.

I must have been dreaming.

I know.

The presents are all unwrapped

And gifts stowed away

But in the joy of a memory

In the heart of a child,

The four-year old me—

I know

And will forever know—

He was there.

#Christmas #ChristmasandChildhood #SantaClaus