Last Sleigh Ride

The Final Sleigh Ride

For Mrs. Claus

Adapted from a poem by Santa Philip D. Gurganus

She could not remember a time when the reindeer flew with such strength and speed -

She could not recall a moment in which her dress shown so bright -

She felt an energy she had not felt in many a year -

The moon was getting brighter as she rode on into the night -

A misty fog swirled and danced around the hooves of the reindeer -

The clouds parted before them as they made their way -

She looked around and saw nothing but stars for as far as she could see -

Just herself and the reindeer and a shiny golden sleigh -

She had no concept of how long they had traveled or what path they flew -

She could not say when she first noticed the gate -

As she approached, she was astounded by its size and splendor - 

She had never in her lifetime seen anything so beautiful and ornate - 

She stepped from the sleigh and with reins in hand, she walked up to the gate - 

The instant she touched it, her heart overflowed and tears of joy filled her eyes - 

The gate was made of silver and pearl, and the path was covered in gold - 

She had reached the end of her journey, the land of cloudless skies - 

She stood in silence as the gate slowly opened, hesitating before she entered - 

She felt a gentle hand take the reins and lead the reindeer away -

She set down her bag and left it outside the gate, never to be used again - Taking off her shoes, she placed them with the bag, they too outside shall stay - 

She entered inside and was met by friends and loved ones who had passed before - 

The Angels replaced her dress with a beautiful robe of white - 

They sang as she made her way among them, in awe of such splendor -

As the crowd began to part, she was nearly blinded by the light - 

As her eyes began to focus, she felt a hand take hers to welcome and to lead -

She turned and looked into eyes more kind and loving than any she had ever seen - 

As that hand held hers in a firm warm grip, she felt the scars in the man's hands - 

A gentle voice whispered - 

"Welcome home my daughter. Come, it's time to open your gifts."