Eight

by Karin Slater

This Christmas I received
a typewriter, Bible, personal stereo
and a Cliff Richard cassette
on behalf of my mother,
who then told me
Santa did not exist.

I said, I Know,
turned away horrified,
and began learning the words
to both sides A and B.

Shielded by my headphones,
bemused by the meanings,
but finding comfort
in 'Visions of You,'
unsure
who to believe in.