ONE BAD APPLE RULE

Christmas was just weeks away and Santa was anything but amused
By the activation of a clause in the naughty list that is seldom used
The “One Bad Apple Rule” had only been used once in the distant past
When a naughty boy’s actions blanketed his family and so too were they cast
It troubled Santa that some good children were given only a lump of coal
Rather than the presents he knows they deserved in the depths of his soul
So the “James family” list he checked it once then he checked it twice
To find the one bad apple so the rest could again be listed as nice
Jim and Mary were not the problem, so it must be one of their offspring
Who was the culprit causing the doubts, making the alarms and bells to ring
Married couples all there was Johnie and Suzanne then Danny and Bridgett
Valerie and Patric, Tina and Darnell, Richard and Robin but they weren’t it
So on to the grandkids Santa was forced to place all of his attention
For surely it had to be one of them that was the cause of the dissension
Married couples Sandy and Mike, Fred and Deena then Thad and Michael
As well as Carolyn, Chris, Tim, Dianna, Micky and Haley still no warning bell
Married couples Shela and Garret, Sharon and Andy and lastly Shawn
It was none of them so to the great grandkids Santa had to move on
There was Kim, Kayla, Kenny and Kooper, then Roman with Paxton the last
And Santa was at the end of the list again and losing his patience fast
When in the fine print at the bottom he read “Ricky was still locked away”
And sighed in relief now knowing for all that costly coal he wouldn’t have to pay
                                          Bear

Author's Note

I leave most punctuation to the reader that they can read the poem in their own meter, mood and motility. I thank you for taking the time to read my work.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is very imaginative & entertaining. I love the opening & the way you've set up the scenario. My eyes got a little glazed over thru the listing of names . . . kinda slowed down the perky pace of fun & devilment. But the ending was once again a fun & uplifting realization. I think Santa must have some elves to help him sort thru all this! *smile*

[Bear]

Thank you for your review, I know the list of names seems long but I took into consideration the average family when I was a child of 2 sets of grandparents, 7 children with spouse between the 2 sets, 9 grandchildren 6 with spouse and 2 great grandkids which is a lot less than the 100 medium size apples in a bushel basket you would have to look through to find that one bad apple :~)

[Érenn]

Wow i really loved this one. Why because it kept me glued to my place till the end, for not only Santa was getting impatient I too had joined the party ^^.( and i call myself a very patient man). That said, there is no doubt about it that this piece is wonderfully written and presented and I couldn't help but love the spirit it contained as well. ^^

[Bear]

I thank you for your kind words, I am glad you enjoyed it :~)

[Urja Gokani]

amazingly written keep it up :)

[Bear]

Thank you, I hope I was able at least to bring a smile to your face :~)

[McBear]

Hehe I more than love your Christmas season poems! Very beautiful and well written and the imagery is beyond amazing.

[Bear]

Thank you again, I have a few more I will be posting over the next couple of weeks :~)

[McBear]

:D yay I can't wait

[ScholarlyHughes]

I like it. I LOVE IT. This gets me in the way of both christmas. the picture is also hella fitting - nothing about this isnt fantastic.

[Bear]

Thank you, I like to make people laugh or at least smile at Christmas time with many of my holiday poems. I will return the read and review favor soon :~)

[Rose Jaeger Kaneki]

this is amazing!!! I love this poem!! keep up the amazing work!!!!!!

[Bear]

Thank you, I have an number of Christmas poems I will be posting over the next three weeks, I hope they are able to keep you entertained :~)

[Rose Jaeger Kaneki]

welcome!!!!! most likely they will, lol