YOUR SANTA
(after Jon Berger)

I want to be your Santa Claus,
but I am only some nameless elf,
struggling to make something
– anything – that will make you happy.

I want to be your Santa Claus,
but the best I can be is Rudolf,
my nose dripping red
after enough poured holiday cheer.

I want to be your Santa Claus,
but I can only act like the Easter Bunny,
hiding my goods
and hoping you never retrieve the eggs.

I want to be your Santa Claus,
but I’m more like the Man in the Moon,
healthy and whole once a month.
Otherwise?
I’m not half the man I used to be.

I want to be your Santa Claus,
the man that gives you what you want,
breaking in and stuffing your stocking,
taking only in return
some stolen sweet.
I want to be full of Christmas joy,
then fill you with it.

I want to be that kind of man.
I am certainly wide enough
but, I think we both know,
even if
I could become your Santa Claus,
you’d still be a rotten kike.