Santa, I can explain!

by Sheryll Putnam
(San Antonio, Texas)

Santa, why complain?
Why look at me with disdain?
Your anger brings me pain—
Because really, I can explain.

You see, it’s just like this—
I aimed, but then I missed—
I tried to give my sister a kiss
But I did it with my fist!

About that yelling thing—
It’s just the way I sing!
And selling my mother’s ring?
It wasn’t even real bling!

That wall I wrote upon?
What did I really do wrong?
You can only tell when the lights are on—
Turn them off and the mark is gone!

Sure, I give Mom lip—
And my sister did not really slip—
And occasionally I flip—
but these infractions are just a blip

Moments that come and go
Santa, you must know—
sometimes I go with the flow
Sometimes I put on a show—

But Santa, I can explain—
Don’t be mad when you see my name
I’m holding my head in shame—
Oh—did you buy me those toys and games?