After 65 Decembers

That final unsurmountable hurdle

In August,

he smiled at the memories

of 65 Decembers

and promptly stopped shaving.

The ruddy complexion,

jovial disposition

and expanded waistline

were already his

by right of genes,

a penchant for English ale

and a passion for bulked-up curries.

Throughout September,

October, November

and into December,

the beard became luxuriant

with the look and texture

of cotton wool,

showing every variant

from peppered grey

thru’ cumulous white.

Flair with a tenon saw

produced a serviceable sleigh,

and a hard-won pension

provided sacks full of presents,

brand new wellies,

and a funny red suit and hat.

Although they wouldn’t

keep their antlers on,

two Great Danes made

passable stand-in reindeer.

And his grandchildren,

who were taller than Munchkins,

though smaller than Umpah-Lumpas

made charming, mischievous Elves.

But how to visit

seven billion people

in just one night?