One Very Good Girl
A portrait of goodness
no elf could deny
in my prettiest dress
and most charming smile
I wait my turn patiently
One Very Good Girl
hoping to stand out
among your messy throng of devotees.
It’s been a long year
of tongue biting
of smiling and nodding
of refraining from eye rolling.
A long year of ma’am and sir
of please and thank you.
A long year of knowing my place
and keeping to it.
Your performance last year –
a touch disappointing.
Perhaps my waning belief was palpable?
This year is different.
I know what I want.
I know you can give it to me.
Why else would you so generously offer
your fuzzy red lap
again and again?
Ok, Santa.
Make it happen for me this year.
I’ve been so very, very good.