Stormy Christmas Eve

It had been snowing all the day and the skies were lookin glum. My mama started crying when the mailman didn't come. Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, Dad said, "I'll ride to town." He put his warm racoon coat on and pulled his big hat down. Then my mama began to fret, I saw her fingers drumming. "Do you think that you really should? I fear a storm is coming." My daddy said, "I'll be okay if I am riding Dan. You know that horse will find the way. He's smarter than a man. Then Mama gave him a big kiss and said. "Now do take care." She waved him off into the storm and wiped away a tear. My mama plucked the turkey and kept looking at the clock while little brother prattled on about his Christmas sock. The storm was growing stronger and the light turned into dark, while I was just a wishing I would hear old Ringo bark. Mama lit the keorsene lamp and started slicing bread. "I should have told him Christmas could be late." I think she said. But then I heard old Ringo bark and saw my mama smile. I knew I'd hear my daddy at the back door in a while. That horse of daddy's brought him safely home through blowing storm. He said that he was glad to be back home where it was warm. Then he said he'd met a stranger while on his homeward way. He recognized old Santa Claus by reindeer and red sleigh. Santa said he would be happy to lighten up his pack and be obliged if Daddy would relieve him of plump sack. Brother and I went to our beds to wake to a surprise from Santa Claus, whom our daddy had seen with his own eyes. Joyce Johnson Posted in Cowboy Poetry Bar D Ranch Christmas 2004