Do you believe in Santa Claus?
The bully asked in recess.
I’ve seen this movie before.
It’s a win-win:
If he hears a yes
He gets to be a bringer of light
Destroy their illusions
Undo the outer magic by
Casting his own counter-spell.
He’s not a bully—
But when his light is resisted,
He uses any tool available.
Public shaming serves well.
If he hears a no,
His army grows stronger.
He has a new ally.
His view is confirmed.
Let’s see if I can counter his counterspell
Do I believe in Santa Claus?
Let’s give him neither a no
Nor a yes, but something new:
“I believe in the spirit of Santa Claus”
I believe in a bright, exciting day
Deep in the darkest season.
In receiving gifts, gifts of wonder.
Knowing all children are too.
The specialness of your own present
Within the impossibility of millions
Each getting their own.
I believe in a tradition
That I know my elders had.
We mirror them, and they feel
Their past joy rekindled
Their past awe renewed.
And might not Santa Claus
Be more real than us?
If the world knows his name,
But doesn’t know ours,
Who is more closely bound
Into the fabric of reality?
The bully stared at me
And slowly lifted his finger.
“Harhar! He believes in Santa Claus! “
Beyond Mountains, More Mountains 