Merry Christmas (From the Goodwill Store)!

Anthony Hammill

November 2021

I’m the first one up again,

Greeted good morning by the furnace,

And the outside that’s turning white.

I know words won’t do you justice,

I know it’s something you won’t understand,

Not at your age at least.

How I can see the confusion on your face,

Like your paycheck wasn’t as good as you thought,

In time you’ll understand what I mean when I say:

“Looks like Santa’s workshop had budget cuts”

Trust me it’s harder for me

Seeing you lean over with grief

You wanted the new American Girl doll.

You wanted the new makeup kit.

But all Santa could afford was the knock-off brand.

Your face, blue and in the pits.

Santa didn’t try hard enough,

And he really is sorry.

Next year I may be lucky,

I’ll find us some money or

At least get us to minimum wage

When I search the seven seas

Surrounded by icebergs with degrees

I’ll think of you, my daughter.

Your sun-faded smile in my wallet

Presses me to look on for land.