Dear Santa,

This Christmas…

I have a very long wish list, but it’s not all for me

I do not desire pretty boxes under the faux needles of a tree

I do not desire jewelry, a new bike or clothes

or an expensive SoundTouch system they call Bose

No, my list is for the intangible things

that only the heart of Santa can bring

The miracles that make small children beam

and the positivity that encourages people to dream

The things you cannot wrap in Christmas paper

and the items that don’t grow on a garden’s acre

So, Santa, without further ado

These are the wishes on my list to you

Peace from wars and hatred and angry Facebook posts

Kindness for those struggling with personal ghosts

Love from a community of giving and gracious souls

A helping hand for those swallowed by potholes

Hope for the messy and hurting world Earth

Faith that is borne from a child’s birth

Joyous moments for those mournfully sad

Forgiving hearts for the scowling mad

Harmony for the minds of our muti-colored collective

Thoughts that are truly open and a little less subjective

Happiness for all couples, husbands and wives

for their children and those with single lives

Safety for those who protect country and home

Good health and healing I pray in this letter’s poem

Contentment that life is treating us fair

leaving no room for the gloom of despair

Devoted friendship so that no one is ever alone

Respect and tolerance all people can condone

Purple hair and ideals that makes us unique

A oneness of equality, this melding we seek

Kindred spirits that seek to believe

they can wear loving hearts on mankind’s shirt sleeve

Santa, I know this list is getting long

but I’d like to make this humanity’s theme song

Fewer humbugs and more ho-ho-ho’s

Laughter at bad poetry and Rudolph’s red nose

It’s a list you may not be able to fulfill in a year, let alone one day

I know you have gifts to deliver on Christmas Eve with your sleigh

I only ask that in time you give it a shot

Even though this is asking a lot

Please do this for humanity, and if you need assistance

I know a Guy who gave us this independent existence

And one more thing, Santa, if you agree

Please give me a cat who sleeps at quarter to three

AM, not PM

With love,

Mary J.