The Once and Future Claus

There’s tragedy in falling snow and stocks,
And in our confidence as good consumers;
But it’s near Christmas and we have our socks
Arranged for anything that Santa humours.
We do not think that maybe, just perhaps
We’ll get that gift that makes us cry out wow;
Nor do we think that probably this lapse
Of expectation’s longer than for now.
It may not be next year, we know – it may
Not come in two; but this long night before
At last will pass, and open on a day
When everything we’ve wished from every store
Appears before our newly wakeful eyes,
And they will come to us in every size.