Santa Passes

By Edgar A. Guest

Well it was a Merry Christmas,
Of that fact there is no doubt;
The little house proclaims it,
For the toys are strewn about.
There was laughter in the place,
But I fancied that I noticed
Something curious in her face.
In the midst of the excitement
There would come a wistful pause,
And I somehow have the notion
That's the last of Santa Claus.

Down the years we've had him with us;
Every Merry Christmas Day
Santa Claus has paid a visit
In the good old-fashioned way.
For when Buddy rose to boyhood,
Little Janet came along,
But I somehow have the notion
She suspects that something's wrong;
For I thought that I detected
In her conduct now and then,
A break in her devotion
To the jolliest of men.

She hung her little stocking
By the fireplace as of old,
And she gave a cheer for Santa,
But it lacked the ring of gold,
And though Christmas Day was merry,
I began to realize
That our lovely little baby
Now is growing very wise;
And I can't help feeling saddened
And regretful, just because
I am sure our house last Christmas
Saw the end of Santa Claus.