My little Johnny, who was three,
Climbed with lights in his eyes onto Santa's knee.
"And what would you like this year, my boy?
If I can I'll bring your favorite toy."
Johnny didn't even need time to think.
"I want a dolly", he said, "that will eat and drink."
Twelve parents, at least, turned to look at me,
And a big man said suspiciously,
"Next year he'll want a dress or two".
I replied, "It's the father in him coming through."
"Well, that's not what some folks would say,
A kid's character's built by the way he'll play."
My little Johnny, who was three,
Climbed with lights in his eyes from Santa's knee.
And the big man grinned as he watched his son
As Santa Clause for a tank and a gun.
- Carol Lynn Pearson
