Weight On A Miracle

I saw Santa in a '53 Chevy
Driving reindeer out in the wind
There were lesser burdens to carry
They were all short beds back then
And he had this look on his face
Windshield wipers were slappin
There must be something bigger than this
Like he was waiting for a miracle to happen

Rusty gear shift, Jesus on a cross
Hangin' from the rearview on a chain
Grindin' through streets in a 3-speed
Holdin' up traffic out in the rain
He's got places to do, people to be
Seas to part on his mission there
He's got serious business and vision
At the end of a thousand yard stare

And we all stare right along with him
Seeking visions in sparkly wrapping
A billion eyes stare from a thousand yards
Waiting for the miracle to happen

He just wants to get it over with
Sometimes the friendly skies go dark
Saint Someone chained 'round his neck like a noose
Hotboxin' a Camel like it's Joan of Arc
Wet roads forage like shiny black
vipers
On cold wet icy December days
I knew it was Santa when I saw him
His Santa hat gave him away

Three days gray growth and bloodshot eyes
Didn't really look so full of cheer
Squinting from smoke rising up mumbling
Epithets and Christmas songs under his beard
But he'll complete appointed rounds
In his bright red plaid flannel shirt
To those thousand yards and their graven stares
Ashes to ashes, dirt to dirt

And we all stare right along with him
Seeking visions in sparkly wrapping
A billion eyes stare from a thousand yards
Waiting for the miracle to happen

So if you're out there lookin' for Santa
On a jolly and jovial holiday
Bringing a miracle just for you with
Flying reindeer and a 3-speed sleigh
When laughter echoes cold as fireplace ash
Are all that is left of your miracle day
Don't be discouraged if Santa flies by
And doesn't bring tidings of toys your way

We wait for the miracle coming
Lights and bells on a magical sleigh
A junkyard Chevy with Saint Someone
Away in a short bed asleep in the hay
As life its own Self slides by like a sled
Hidden in brown-paper wrapping
Each and every unordinary
Miracle is already happening

A thousand yard stare will get you nowhere
You're the miracle, go out there and happen

© John Kennan 12-24-19