These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Greeting Card Santa Claus

Open up the greeting card.
See a friendly face.
Happy Christmas, Child and Bard,
full of wondrous grace.

Many are sweet mem'ries now,
full of Santa Claus.
Wooly white upon his brow.
Much of life on pause.

Can I see him place the gifts?
Can I have my proof?
Can the hopeful joy it lifts
track upon the roof?

Not of fam'ly, not of friend,
should this give me pause?
Many toys will concern mend,
sweet old Santa Claus.

"He knows when I am sleeping.
He knows when I'm awake."
My little heart is creeping.
"Oh, Mom, what can I take?"

A big, fat man lets himself in.
The reindeer kick roof slates.
Is this okay with kith or kin?
The hour is quite late.

It's okay. The greeting card
is right beside me, now.
Nighty, night, 'neath sky so starred.
I need not know how.

by Jay O’Toole
on October 25th, 2023