MERRY CHRISTMAS 2001
by Nancy E. Reilly
"'Twas the night before Christmas" has lots of
nice rhymes
But I fear that the tale doesn't fit modern times.
What is a kerchief? And who wears a bedcap?
We sleep the whole night through: no way it's
a nap.
They tell me that Santa is coming tonight.
He'll be flying in here on a sleigh. Yeah, RIGHT!
When I was much younger I believed all that stuff.
I know since I'm older that it's all a big bluff.
As this Christmas eve is going so slow,
I sneak down the stairs to watch HBO.
I listen for sounds throughout our big house...
But I would go crazy if I saw a mouse.
All of a sudden I hear the floor squeak.
Someone is coming, sneakily, sneak, sneak.
And then as my heart leaps up to my throat.
I see a bearded man in a funny red coat.
His belt buckle shakes as he laughs, look at
that.
My gosh, this jolly old guy sure is fat.
He looks up... he sees me and gives a big smile.
"Nancy, I came to see you. Let's talk for awhile.
You're one grown up girl that doesn't believe
That Santa Claus comes on each Christmas eve.
You've become a skeptic. Your mind's filled with
doubt.
It's simple... without me the joy is left out.
I remember the time that you sat on my knee
A smile on you face, eyes sparkling with glee.
Don't you remember the thrill you felt then?
With a little faith, you can feel it again.
Santa Clause comes to childen at the start.
The rest of their lives, I live in their hearts.
If you are a youngster or a wrinkled old girl,
You still can hear bells ring and see the stars
swirl."
Then I thought of his words and remembered when
I believed in the future and all it could lend.
What happened to me and to all the rest?
Could the World Trade Center have been a real
test?
Surely we know that there is much to delight:
We certainly can't focus on the deaths and the
fight.
Let's look at our blessings, our children and
friends.
And rejoice in the wonders this season sends.
Then Santa says, "It's true some things change.
But believe in the basics," he speeds from my
range.
And I hear him repeating, as my willing ears
strain,
The words I now love, a favorite refrain:
"Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night."
I throw open the window and rejoice in the sight!
"'Twas the night before Christmas" has some things
outdated
But THE STORY, dear
friends, is not overrated. ©
