Winter Solstice
By Kitty Riley
As dark shadows day
And sun yields and waits
We gather by candles
And behold the flames.
We sing and we talk
And savor the meals
With spices and drinks
Our best foods displayed.
We join in laughter
Cry tears for those lost
Shout winter wishes
Of holiday cheer.
And we watch for day
To grow longer soon
And strengthen its glow
And push back the dark.
Seriously, Santa?
By Deborah Holt Williams
Glenwood Springs
Dear Santa,
Hi, remember me?
I asked you for a pet.
A goldfish or a hamster,
That’s what I hoped I’d get.
But seriously Santa?
A reindeer? Really? Gee!
First he ate the ornaments
And then he ate the tree!
You may be trying to downsize.
Or just no longer need him.
But gosh, before you dropped him off,
How come you didn’t feed him?
He ate the treetop angel
And the lights! Now that was shocking.
He swallowed all the garland down
And then he ate my stocking!
And after all that eating,
When he could munch no more,
He left a present of his own
Upon the hardwood floor.
We couldn’t find a name tag.
Is he Vixen? Is he Comet?
But when he barfed up tinsel,
My Daddy named him Vomit.
So Santa, what’s your policy
On taking presents back?
We just can’t keep this reindeer
Who eats sofas for a snack!
I know you must be tired, Sir,
Too pooped to come yourself
But please, come get this reindeer!
If you have to, send an elf!
Seriously, Santa,
Old Vomit has to go.
I tried to put him in the yard —
He doesn’t like the snow!
He likes it by our wood stove
With my school bag for his head.
I must admit he’s comfy
When I use him for a bed.
I went online for reindeer chow,
I guess we’ll be OK.
He’s so cute when he’s sleeping…
Ignore this. He can stay.