Fallout (Crank 3)

along. “If you decide to come see Santa,

you know where to find me.” But her breathing

tells me she’s already most of the way back

to dreamland. Wonder who’s waiting for her there.

CHARMLESS

It takes forever to find parking,

despite the early hour. The main

drag is cordoned off, leaving

Victorian Avenue car-less except

for the ones soon to be parading.

I park in the Nugget Casino

garage, walk several blocks

to the corner where Montana

and I will announce equestrian

teams, bands, and local dignitaries,

shivering as they wave from

the decks of classic convertibles.

The Shriners will drive funny

little cars and unicycles. Civic

groups will flaunt tractor-pulled

floats. Scout troops will

march

in formation, the university

cheerleaders will cartwheel,

clowns will throw candy. And,

bringing up the rear, Santa and

his missus will arrive in a horse-

pulled sleigh so the kids will

know Christmas is coming and

the malls will be open overtime.