Christmas Eve--By Eleanor Michael--United States

Christmas Eve

Ready for the party,
Daddy in a Santa suit,
Momma in a fur-trimmed Mini.
They know the kids
are listening to every word.
“Have been good?” he asks.
He names them one by one,
“Holly, Angel, Carol, Noel.”
Although it’s not always true,
she says, “Yes, yes, yes, and yes.”
“Then there is something
in my backpack for every one.”
He leans toward Mrs. Santa,
“What should I bring
their mother for Christmas?”
“Sorry, Santa,” she says,
“four small socks hanging
on the mantel is enough.”

Eleanor Michael has published poetry and short stories in a variety of venues.