SUNDAY IS FOR POETRY: Santa's Helper

SANTA'S HELPER

Flakes fell heavily Christmas Eve;

Close to midnight, the snow was deep.

Simon glanced at his canine, Queen.

"We'll frolic in the snowfall, oh so pristine."

Yet in that moment, exquisitley serene,

He reconsidered and sipped the Benedictine.

Adjusting himself in his new recliner,

He bellowed, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."

A crash in the fireplace caused him to jump,

Queen barking at a red clump.

"Who's there?" Simon called, his hand on the phone.

The stranger lay stunned on the hearth's stone.

Queen sniffed the young woman dressed as Santa,

Simon impatiently awaiting her answer.

She stood and brushed off the soot briskly,

Then turned to Simon and replied quickly.

"I'm so sorry. I'm new," she pleaded.

"Queen, come here," its owner, it heeded.

"Please don't call Santa," her plea most sincere,

"He's working overtime. I'm a volunteer."

Confused, Simon stared at her blankly.

She offered her hand. "My name is Laurie."

Simon did not attempt to extend his.

Instead replied, "Simon, mine is."

"I have your present but it's still on the roof."

To this, Simon remained aloof,

And said, "You don't need to pity me."

"I don't, Simon." Blushing, "You're most attractive.

But, your present! You'll love it, you'll see!"

Simon shook his head as she flew out the door,

Then heard mumblings on his front lawn.

Laurie cried, "My reindeer are gone!"

A neighbor stopped, "Reindeer? Gone?"

"Please help! Do you have a ladder?"

Scratching his head, "Yes, I have a ladder."

He entered his home, then with one appeared.

It steady, Laurie climbed, then disappeared.

She found Simon's gift and scurried on.

"Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones."

Excited, she gave Simon his present.

As he groped, all became evident.

"Let me," Laurie offered, sitting at his feet.

'Merry Christmas, Simon. Enclosed is a check

for the eye surgery. Santa'

Simon buried his head in his hands;

No words came for such a present grand.

Nor a greater gift could he receive,

Than the woman sitting at his feet.

"If you like, I'll go with you."

Simon clutched then kissed Laurie's hand.

Catching his breath, he whispered, "Thank you."

Simon and Laurie married and raised a family,

Whom they cared and loved most dearly.

A more full life Simon never knew,

Til Laurie fell clumsily through his flue.

Blind and alone until age twenty five,

Simon loved his helper until he died.

**written by petra michelle**