On Patrol

Published by Sara Etgen-Baker at December 2, 2025

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Image by Jim DeGrandis via Unsplash

a wooden body
with steady onyx eyes
stares through
the warm, festive glow of
glimmering lights strung
around the traditional Christmas tree
decorated with sparkling ornaments and crimson ribbons

stalwart, the nutcracker stands,
its gray musket at attention,
ready to defend
the carefully wrapped gifts
piled beneath the tree

with stern eyes
it faithfully watches
the circle of vintage trains,
buzzing around the tree’s base

like a devoted guardian
he sits beneath the holiday tree
preserving holiday whimsy,
protecting childhood awe,
safeguarding adulthood memories
of Christmases long past
protecting everyone
from holiday distress.

Need more holiday cheer? Gather ‘round the tree and delight in these wonderful stories, poems, and more from the MockingOwl Roost family.

Missing Everything – Emotive Christmas Fiction
What’s the Rest of the Story? – Christmas Poetry
A Christmas Carol – My Favorite Things
Chorus of the Waiting – Christmas Speculative Fiction
Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Black Orb – Narrative Poetry
The Princess and the Pain – Christmas Fairy Tale
Yule Dreams – Christmas Poetry
Fireplace for Your Home – Christmas Essay

Sara Etgen-Baker

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After a 25-year teaching career, Sara Etgen-Baker began writing. She’s written a collection of memoir vignettes (Shoebox Stories), a collection of poems (Kaleidoscopic Verses), and a novel (Secrets at Dillehay Crossing). Her writing has appeared in a variety of publications including Guideposts and Chicken Soup for the Soul.