He's Checking His List

36 lines written for "The Writer's Cramp" 

He refused to make eye contact,
As we stood there in the cold mist.
I thought it was a firm contract.
But he’d carefully checked his list.

“I do not see it, that’s for sure.”
He said and then looked right at me.
“But I’ve been good and kind and pure,
so my name’s there. It has to be.”

He checked it twice and shook his head.
“No, sadly, you went wrong this year.
You put mice in your sister’s bed,
And then you pulled the doggie's ear!”

The snow had now begun to fly
I hung my head, since all was true.
“Cheer up,” he said and winked his eye.
“We none are perfect, me or you.”

“Go on to bed now, you will see.
The morning sun will be up soon
And in your sheets you need to be!
Daybreak may sing another tune.”

Not understanding, I obeyed.
Sadly I went off to my dreams.
And then awake, yet still dismayed,
I’d find no toys or orange creams.

With heavy heart on Christmas morn
I traipsed so slowly down the stairs,
Looking dejected and forlorn,
Until I spied the waiting wares.

With great surprise I now could see,
Beneath the Christmas tree was filled
With toys and candy, yes, for me!
I now was stunned and oh so thrilled!

I laughed and did a little dance.
That’s when I found a written note.
“We all deserve a second chance.”
The sly old man, that's all he wrote.