Santa’s Elevator Woes

~ Becky Ross Michael

With light from the hallway, I press number one.

Our lift starts to move, though inside it’s still dark.

And then with a bump, when our ride should be done,

The doors remain closed, and with reindeer I’m parked.

I reach for my phone, with its handy, bright light,

But I left it with elves for a charge and a rest.

I grope for the buttons and then punch without sight,

Just hoping for movement, the lobby, at best.

My heartbeat increases and booms in my ears.

I see slobber on Prancer’s now quivering lips.                   

Sliding down to the floor, I must face my own fears,

Admitting to Dasher that soon I might flip.

Although my kind voice rarely lifts to a yell,

Tonight I must try this, to beg for some help.

The weak whine I muster next brings a faint bell,

That surely is Rudolph, and I start to yelp.

I still feel no movement, so now what to do?

Detecting faint noises beyond this dark cave ‒

Yes ‒ shuffles and a muffled, “Hey, we will help youuu!”

“Just hang on,” I pant, while I try to be brave.

Long minutes or hours, I just do not know.

My prison then moves, and the doors finally slide.

I smile as a pretense, emotions won’t show,

From those in the lobby, my relief I will hide.

The experts were called and worked hard for their fee.

Announced the found problem, this old man to chide,

Warning, “A sensor was covered with thick reindeer pee.

So watch all your friends till you get them outside!”

I pick up my bag and adjust my red hat.

Then motion at my reindeer to walk down the hall,

Saying, “No Christmas for THIS place and THAT sure is that.

Let’s find a REAL village, with no urban sprawl!”

by Becky Ross Michael

Have a good holiday!!!

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