Krampus Knuckles Down

As the inky, icy nights of winter

Blanket the land with smothering, soft snow

Children await their coveted presents

Deep in my diabolical, old heart

Each one’s moral transgressions are kept

For Saint Nicholas, the fun is reserved

Giving glad tidings to every, warm hearth

He is loved and admired everywhere

I am his shadow, his antithesis

Justice must be done, and some kids are vile

Krampus is my name; scaring brats, my game!

Look out, you petulant little punks

My wrath will fill your stockings with darkness

Naughty children drive me to distraction

Over themselves, they have no control!

Prone to loud tantrums and bitter complaints

Questioning and haranguing their parents

Refusing food that could save shriveled souls

Silly, stultified, small simians

They believe no real harm can come to them

Utter folly! I have lessons for them

Virtue is not natural; it is learned

Whine and whimper they will, but I will teach them

X-ray a problem child: you'll see dark vice!

Youth can be wasted, but not on my watch

Zealous, determined, I’ll scare the fools straight!