Letter to the Editor - December 23

Marlin is my weekend home, with a ranch just five miles east of town. Weekday home is Houston.

I composed the following poem for my Christmas Cards this year and thought I would share it with you.

If you chose to publish it, it would be the best Christmas present ever! Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa, For this year I have to ask,

That when you drop in, please wear a mask!

And I hope the elves,  those noble assistants,

Are working hard, but with social distance!

For the holidays serve to enlighten and inspire us,

But it’s kinda hard with that dang virus!

Before you arrive, please check your temperature,

And fill out our app, complete with signature.

Now on to my list of my wants and needs:

(This is in reward for all my good deeds!)

This year, I’m all the wiser:

Instead of toys, I want sanitizer!

And instead of a book or movie caper,

I’d like disinfectant and toilet paper!

No more candy or peppermint for me!

(Jumping Jingle Bells!! I can’t taste them now, you see!!)

I realize this might be shocking,

But I’d like Clorox Wipes piled in my stocking.

We didn’t leave you milk and cookies this year

Baking goods were gone from the store, I fear.

So Merry Christmas to you while the halls we deck:

And watch the mail… where’s my stimulus check?

Keith Shuffler

Marlin