A Tale of Saint Nicholas

When I was but a baby

My parents told a tale;

I listened, and just maybe,

There was a holy grail.

They said as I was sleeping

Upon a Christmas eve,

A gentleman came creeping

To children who believe.

When I was but a mite

My uncle said it's so,

When you close your eyes tonight

To a magic place you'll go.

He said there would be treasures,

Riches to behold;

Toys and other pleasures

If you're as good as gold.

When I was but a child

My auntie promised me...

To let your dreams, my lad, run wild

A rainbow you will see.

But when I became older,

Asking how's and why's

My world appeared much colder...

I found that they were lies.

There was no guy named Santa

Flying with the stars;

It was just fabled banter,

There was no man from Mars.

Adult imagination

With myth and lore entwine:

Of fanciful creation ~

Ideas of theirs not mine.

Though now I'm old and tinted grey

And all my elders gone;

I often plainly have to say

I miss them one by one.

I think about their stories ~

Resurrecting them anew;

I see those former glories...

After all were really true.

                  ASJ