SANTA SADNESS

SANTA SADNESS

I saw the presents under the tree
The lights, the tinsel, fascinated me
Santa would be coming soon
And I’d been good all afternoon

We’d been sending out cards for weeks
To friends, family and other freaks
Pictures of Santa, reindeer and snow
Presents, snowmen and Rudolf’s glow

My parents had told me of Santa
Of reindeer and their world-wide canter
Of glasses of sherry and mincemeat pies
To keep Santa’s strength up as he travels the skies

I had to be good if Santa’s to find me
So he’d stop and shin down the chimney
I’d tried to be helpful, a glint in my eye
Be nice to my brother and sister I’d try

On that night the presents arrived
A mountain of wrapping paper I spied
I went to wake Mummy and Daddy too
But I saw something, a give-away clue

Lying by Mummy was Daddy asleep
With mince pie crumbs all over his cheek!
A familiar smell came from his mouth
The sherry for Santa last night we’d left out!

They explained to me while making our breakfast
That not having Santa wouldn’t spoil our Christmas
And asked me to smile and wipe away tears
Explaining that Christmas would still come next year

I mumbled while wiping my eyes
And explained the reason for my cries
I’m not crying because of him you see
I’m crying because you lied to me!

31st May (yes May not December!) 2002