I woke last night.
A wolf howled at the moon.
It was Old Man Winter
whistling his tune.

He came up the drive,
Knocked on the door,
Handed me a letter. 
“Who is this for?”

“For you,” he said coldly
With a bit of a sneer,
“Playtime is over.
Winter is here.”

I looked in his eyes,
“You’re a man I admire.
I insist you come in.
Let me build you a fire.”

I swept open the door.
He tumbled inside.
I grabbed the back of his belt
And gave him a ride.

“No, wait!” He shouted,
But with nary a pause
I sent him hot up the chimney,
A reverse Santa Claus.

And if he comes back
I will invite him in,
Grab the back of his belt
And do it again.

Roy H. Williams
January 15, 2022