I used to believe in Santa Claus
even though I'm Jewish
and Peter Pan
and faeiries
who soared far beyond the stars
I thought that clapping hands in a frenzy
would save Tinker Bell
from an untimely demise
and that saying my prayers
would always keep me safe
If I did well in school
and followed the path
laid out by my parents
life would unfold with ease
only an occasional wrinkle
to smooth out
before continuing on
When I married at twenty
I believed that love would last a lifetime
I had children and thought
being a good enough parent
would secure for both my kids
healthy happy
long long lives
My children would see me
into old age
with their children
and grandchildren
alongside me
one generation
the next and the next
It used to be easy to believe
in fairy tales
and magic
and wishes blown like kisses
on dandelion puffs
Now too many realities
have torn the fabric
of life apart
but there are still moments
when I believe
in Santa Claus
and Peter Pan
and faeiries
who soar far beyond the stars
Reanne Singer
July, 2013
even though I'm Jewish
and Peter Pan
and faeiries
who soared far beyond the stars
I thought that clapping hands in a frenzy
would save Tinker Bell
from an untimely demise
and that saying my prayers
would always keep me safe
If I did well in school
and followed the path
laid out by my parents
life would unfold with ease
only an occasional wrinkle
to smooth out
before continuing on
When I married at twenty
I believed that love would last a lifetime
I had children and thought
being a good enough parent
would secure for both my kids
healthy happy
long long lives
My children would see me
into old age
with their children
and grandchildren
alongside me
one generation
the next and the next
It used to be easy to believe
in fairy tales
and magic
and wishes blown like kisses
on dandelion puffs
Now too many realities
have torn the fabric
of life apart
but there are still moments
when I believe
in Santa Claus
and Peter Pan
and faeiries
who soar far beyond the stars
Reanne Singer
July, 2013