SOUP DAY
By Beth Carter
Think I’ll stay inside.
Pinging, lacy crystals form.
Soup sounds best to me.
THAT ISN’T SANTA
By Beth Carter
Six-year-old Dennis pressed his nose against the cold window. Ice pinged against the glass and lacy water froze on the pane. He stared into the dark sky and squinted, rubbing at the crystals to no avail.
“It’s time for bed, honey. Hurry or you’ll miss Santa.”
“But, Mom…”
Emma rubbed Dennis’ new buzz cut, then warmed her hands inside her red, fluffy robe.
“You know Santa won’t come until you’re in bed.”
“But.”
Emma pointed. “Look. I see him. He’s almost here.”
Dennis glanced back out the window and frowned at his mother.
“Since when does Santa drive a car?”
Smart boy. Dennis is no fool. Cute story, Beth. Glad you joined in. I hope to see you next week at OWL.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rochelle. I'll be at OWL. See you then!
DeleteOh no, to learn the truth at six....
ReplyDeleteHe still thinks Santa should be in his sled and not in a car. No worries.
DeleteOh, this made me laugh. We try and try, but kids are not dummies. Great job, Beth.
ReplyDeleteKids are pretty perceptive. They like to believe, though, and so do we! Loved your story, Shirley, and I hadn't even noticed the headlights until I read your story so thank you very much!
DeleteMade me laugh, too. I like the haiku as well. I'm "janet' in the links.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet. Glad I made you laugh. I'll look for your story soon.
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ReplyDeleteHi Beth - Fun story. Made me chuckle. I see you're still with Blogspot as well, although I'm switching to Wordpress soon. Lora
Thanks, Lora. I'll check out yours. Yes, still with Blogspot. I have a new phone and other new tech stuff so my mind can't handle a switch to Wordpress right now! Good luck.
DeleteHi Beth,
ReplyDeleteIt's probably a Hummer to get to all those difficult places. Thanks for reading and commenting on my story. I can see you're already in the spirit, so Merry Christmas! Ron
Yes, a Hummer would also hold lots of presents! I am already buying gifts (and considering wrapping soon so I can get into my closet!) But I call the holiday "Stressmas" because we have five birthdays in November and had five in October so it's always out of control.
DeleteA real 'feel good' offering Beth. 'Lacy water' - a great phrase to remember in this connection.
DeleteThank you, Sandra.
Deletegood one, did you tell him it was a chevro-sleigh ?
ReplyDeleteI was hoping for the BMW sleigh! Thanks.
DeleteThat's great! I enjoy winter weather stuff, but that Santa thing sounds SO familiar in real life, you know? :D Very nice work!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I remember saying all those buts and hearing them from my daughter years ago. Kids never want to sleep on Christmas Eve, do they?!
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