There Ain't No Santa Claus

(This is a poem my mother wrote many years ago, in honor of my mom's memory I am posting it here today since this is the Christmas Season. We miss you mom, Christmas just isn't the same since you have been gone.)

There Ain't No Santa Claus

By: Clarice Clark

When I was ten, my Mama said,

"You're old enough, my child, to know

There ain't no Santa Claus,

Your Pa and me are very poor,

We can't afford no toys.

There'll by no baby doll for you,

And no cars for the boys."

I left for school that day

Feeling very bad.

My teacher saw my tears,

And asked,

"Why are you so sad?"

I told her what my Ma had said

She didn't seem surprised.

She sat me down, and dried my tears,

Then looked me in the eyes.

"Your Ma is right," she told me,

"Santa is not real.

He's a spirit, don't you see?

A loving, giving spirit,

That lives in you and me.

And Christmas isn't just a day

For getting lots of toys

It's for celebrating Jesus' birth

And peace for all upon the earth."

Well, Christmas morning came around,

A knock came at our door.

There stood teacher, loaded down,

With packages galore.

She said,"I live upon the hill

With neither kith nor kin,

I thought I'd spend the day with you,

If you'll just ask me in."

She had a gift for Ma and Pa,

And race cars for the boys,

But best of all a baby doll,

And several other toys.

I hugged my doll, and went to Ma,

And whispered in her ear.

Then I spoke out loud and clear

For everyone to hear.

"Now tell me Ma,

You still believe

There ain't no Santa Claus"?