St. Nicholas

I got a text two days ago, all in caps, ST. NICHOLAS DAY IS IN TWO DAYS.  It is wonderful to be cared for, with advance notice even.  St. Nicholas actually found his way into this house under renovation, and didn*t even require the usual shoes.  He knows, around here, it is different every year.  St. Nicholas knows how to go with the flow.

St. Nicholas arrived early

Last night.

He tripped over renovation obstacles,

Found the orange juice

In the living room refrigerator.

St. Nicholas

Sneaked up the crowded stairs.

He did not find any shoes

At the door.

The shoes are strewn

In the family room.

St. Nicholas made do this year

With a paper box

From Ten Thousand Villages.

He angled it against the door,

A box,

A few chocolate coins.

Every year St. Nicholas arrives

As he wills.

Every year it is different

And the same.