Dear Santa Clause and all the elves

I’ve written twice before.

Everyone gets what they want,

My letters you ignore.

And so I ask again for calm,

more patience and more time.

You read all their letters,

I’m hoping you’ll read mine.

I haven’t asked for diamond rings,

a bigger house, a car.

In fact I think my requests

are the simplest by far.

I’d like a bigger garden,

a tidy house as well,

could someone do the ironing

and rake the leaves that fell?

Could you dry off all the windows,

and wipe away the dust,

and clear away the dishes –

declutterings a must.

If all this seems too frivolous,

or far too much like fun,

I have one more request,

if you would grant me one.

I realise I’m lucky,

I have all that I need.

But many more are lacking,

their letters you can’t read.

All they want is food to eat,

or somewhere they can sleep.

A place that’s warm and safe –

is that really such a leap?

A bed that isn’t paper,

a house that isn’t card –

Its 2023,

is this task really so hard?

Of all the things I’ve asked for,

forget the things for me –

Houses for the homeless

is what I want to see.