Roberts
Santa’s Lap, a Christmas Story
by Jeannie E. Roberts

     “Bless you, my darling, and remember you are always in the heart ―
     “oh tucked so close there is no chance of escape ― of your sister.”
     “~Katherine Mansfield

Santa’s been around for ages,
including the year 1960

when he held two sisters―
one blonde and the other

brunette. They appeared to be
the yin and yang of kith

and kin, where gentle smile
opposed impish grin―yet,

on their separate journey’s,
whenever they bowed their

heads for guidance, folded
their hands in prayer,

their likeness was revealed.
And unbeknown to them,

they’d always sat together―
with hearts held and hands

clasped, there for one another―
on Santa’s lap.

AUTHOR’S PHOTO CAPTION: My sister Mary and me, Minneapolis, Minnesota, circa December 1960.

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: As most children, we visited Santa and had a photograph taken with him during the holiday season. I chose this particular photo of my sister Mary and me because of its accuracy; it’s all in the facial expressions. Our personalities and physical appearance may be different, but we do share other commonalities. This poem was written as an expression of love for my sister.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jeannie E. Roberts lives in an inspiring rural setting near Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Her second book of poetry, Beyond Bulrush, a full-length collection, is forthcoming from Lit Fest Press in 2015. She is also the author of Nature of it All, a poetry chapbook (Finishing Line Press, 2013), and the author and illustrator of Let’s Make Faces!, a children’s book. She draws, paints, and often photographs her natural surroundings. Learn more about Jeannie at www.jrcreative.biz.