Joyce Johnson Poet Quatrain

Where Was She

I remember it as yesterday
the disastrous  event
when  I couldn’t find the dolly
that for Susie’s sock was meant.

My folks and all the others
had gathered there to see
the small school’s Christmas program
and community Christmas tree.

I came up on the darkened stage
in my role of Santa Claus.
I found Johnny’s skates and Nellie’s book
and then there was a pause.

Susie’s sock hangs lank and lean
as I search the flour-sack bag
for the doll I knew was in there.
My high spirits start to sag.

The seconds turned to minutes.
The minutes seemed like hours.
I wished the sky to fall on me
or at least some meteor showers.

I heard the teacher whisper,
“It’s okay.  Get off the stage”.
I was the most downhearted Santa
of six years or any age.

Many, many years have passed
and it’s still a mystery
how that doll could hide herself
when I searched so desperately.


July 4, 11

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Linda-Marie Sweetheart July 4, 2011 at 3:48 PM such a touching tale Joyce.. good luck if for the contest my friend.. a true scenario of what happens at the last minute and the emotion of it all.. wonderful as always luv..I remember I was always an Angel in the Christmas play and one night my wings flew away on their own..and there I was on stage without wings.. I was mortified and tried to hide and the teacher said.. it's OK God is repairing them..tonight..oh I felt better ..

Andrea Dietrich July 4, 2011 at 11:05 AM Gosh, did she ever show up??? Is this for the mystery contest, Joyce (oh, I think that was for a famous mystery but I sure do know of these kind of mysteries. i have lost a few things over the years that never showed up again). Good to see you writing even on the fourth . It's on my agenda for today as well. Luv, Andrea