Shaken Up

SHAKEN UP The vortex sucked me into the globe. shaken, distressed pounding on the confines of the glass. the snow n-e-v-e-r stops. Music lifts, from the bowels of this new world — the humor of “it’s a small world” Suddenly the snow alights at my feet, i see creatures smaller than me, with little hammers, constructing toys. My full tilt laughter, fogs up the glass, annoys the tiny men and women at their chores. Santa Claus, yes S-a-n-t-a, explodes from out of an office door “What’s all this?!” Suddenly swept from off his feet (and mine too) When once upright again, he holds his fingers to his head, “I’ve a giant headache. If this storm continues…” and his words trail off as he slams shut the door. I rub my eyes. did i really see all that. “So, ahem,” I say, “you’re elves.” “Oh my, you’re a bright one,” as the head elf rushes by. The tiny giggles light up the tiny space. “I don’t know how I got here. Has this ever happened before?” Again, the tiny giggles illuminate the North Pole, in this musical jar of snow. “Here, “ the head elf shoves a warm mug, a beautiful mug in my hand, “drink this. It will clear your head, warm you up.” “You’ll be around until Christmas. You will ride with Santa back to your world, beyond the glass. Your instructions are here.” He hands me a handsomely wrapped scroll. I read it as chocolate heaven runs down my throat. i lick my lips. The scroll says: Welcome Guest! You must have been bad, the worst, to end up at the end of your world. We won’t judge but you must figure it out or on Christmas Eve you will get stuck in the glass. Not the globe, mind you, but the actual glass — between worlds. Enjoy the amenities, search for clues, stay out of Santa’s way and out of his booze. Am I dream’n? i don’t even know who i am. i’m shaken, cold, sweating, afraid. ...this is very bad! Suddenly the song, He knows if you’re sleeping, He knows if you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been good or bad… This time as the glass globe shakes, I am in a different place — my childhood, sneaking, snotty, reeking naughty and all out jealous, haughty... i steal her prized possession — this s-n-o-w globe. tears run down the glass as if it was my friend’s eye. my best friend the one i lost when i was nine. now i remember. now i must figure out what to do. all the elves, taking a break glare at me. 12/2/2019 Stuck in a Christmas Globe Poetry Contest Sponsor: Bobby May Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Songwriters: COOTS J FRED / GILLESPIE HAVEN