the mystery of the star pillow santa

it happens every night
this time of year --
somehow
the star pillow santa
makes its way 
from a low branch of the tree
in the living room
to the carpet
in the hall,
or on one, or another,
bedroom floor.

uncomplaining and silent
it lies there with sweet face
and star pillow arms open wide
with its bib label that says
first christmas 1998
 -- discovered each morning
a funny surprise
a gift from one, or the other,
cat
in the night.


[This is true. From the time the tree is decorated, to the time it comes down, each year we have a nightly/morning ritual, thanks to -- we think -- Natalie. We can't be sure. I even try to wedge the Santa in when I replace it. No other ornament is the target of this kind of behavior. We think that Natalie must think it is Santa Mouse.]