A voice so loud, I do remember,

Early evening, in late December

“Ho ho ho”, with a thunderous laugh,

Waking from slumber, we in amazement could hear

a noise in the living room, it was certain and clear.

Why was he here and we are not asleep?

Our grandfather yelled, “kids come take a peep.”

“It looks as though Santa has come too soon,

you are awake and giggling in your room.”

We tip toed and peered around the hall to see,

a bearded man, red suit, looking back at me.

“Ho Ho Ho”, he winked and continued to sound.

“You are awake and wide eyed, I have found.”

He had a red suit, and a long white hair,

big black boots, white gloves; he drew near.

We stood there in awe, and not a word said,

he hugged us, “Now get back to your bed.”

We stumbled in step as we scampered away,

giggling we hoped he would be there the next day.

I remember the night; Santa came too soon.

As I closed my eyes, that night in my room.

Christine McNeill-Matteson. copyrighted: 2023