Christmas Mourning

He wakes with promise
Eyes open wide
Anticipation creating
Perspiration falling

He knows he's here
He can hear him down there
Filling stockings with care
But does he dare?

Creep and silently wander
To the edge
Where he sees
Just his father

Kneeling
Like a predator
Preying
Setting each gift with care

And like a snap
The boy he sees
That Santa is just
A bit of a myth

A man,
His dad,
Isn't that jolly?
And never Saint Nick

And then he's gone
Back to bed
Off to sleep
Maybe to dream

Of a time
Just one more time
When Santa was here
Down the stairs

Near the edge
Kneeling
Though never praying
Setting each gift with care

For the morning
When with anticipation
The boy goes running
To his last Christmas mourning

---

Thought I'd jump in.