Midnight Encounter with Santa

Aye, aye. Aye, aye. Late night,

all is quiet when the wind and the vents. Heard a shuffle in the hallway

like it carries some intent. My pulse stumping heavy, painting echoes on

the walls. Felt the weight of every shadow stretching tall down the hall.

Grabbed a piece from the dresser. Whispered, "Please, not tonight."

Tiptoed down the stairs slow, cutting off every light. Saw a figure

by the tree, silhouette in the glow. Raised the barrel, breath hailed,

and the world said no, 'cause the metal turned to peppermint, stripe right in