THE CHANGING FACE OF CHRISTMAS

There was a time when Christmas
Meant Santa and his sleigh
My socks were hung right by the door
Wishful letters in Santa's mail
And then the world almost did end
When gifts were paid in cash
Dreams were just dreams, mirages all
Drowned with nary a splash
Now time ticks by, eyes blind, hearts heavy
Life struggles with burdens and desires
And all I want is to be Santa, this Christmas
To bless each hearth with a warm fire 

MS