Elves miss the times they carved with flair
wooden ducks and teddy bear
stitched up dolls with button eyes
and built small trains that whistled lies.
Now they toss iPads like frisbee pies
stack them high and block the skies.
Reindeer now sulks in polka dots
as sleigh’s been filled with dancing ‘bots
Plastic mistletoe swings from a wire
Stockings still stuck in the dryer.
Sugar-free candy cones sit in a tray
Untouched since Boxing Day.
Santa scrolls through endless lists
aching both his fingers and wrists.
Styrofoam snowmen have lined outside
waiting for the sleigh to glide.
Mrs. Claus calls out, “Cookies and gingerbread!”
All are busy in the workshop instead.
She sets the table with cocoa and cheer,
But eats alone year after year.
As jingle bells echo from pole to pier.