The tale of the Somerville Santa

On December 24, 2008, in Uncategorized, by The News Staff


Jimmy Del Ponte
On The Silly Side

(At this time of year, there are many versions of the classic "Twas the Night Before Christmas" – I hope you enjoy this one.)

Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the 'Ville;

All my presents were purchased, and man what a bill.

Thank heaven for credit cards, I have more than a few;

Though I'll pay through the nose when those buggers are due.

I just watered the tree because last year I forgot;

And three days before Christmas, it turned yellow with rot.

I was walking the dog up at Powder House Park;

On each tree he stopped to leave his special mark.

The TV was calling, so I tried to rush home;

I unleashed the pup and gave him a milk bone.

I took a few Advils and gulped some Mylanta;

And sat back in my chair, and that's when I saw Santa!

There wasn't a sleigh, no reindeer I'm afraid;

This "Somerville Santa" drove a Red Escalade

He parked in my driveway and when I looked out;

I saw some familiar figures and I heard him shout:

Come on Bobby, and Dennis, and David, and Johnny;

Let's go Eddie, and Richie, and Kenny, and Ronnie!

I had seen these guys someplace but I couldn't say where;

From the High School, from little league, from Teele or Ball Square?

They came up to my living room and we had some egg-nog;

Their faces were friendly, but my memory was fogged.

We laughed and we joked, and we had a few beers;

But my face – it was wet – I was shedding some tears.

I finally remembered who all these folks were;

Though it was very dreamlike and their faces were blurred.

It was all of my friends who had left us too soon;

My pals who I'd lost – were all here in one room!

We hugged and we laughed and we had lots of fun;

They all looked so healthy, they all looked so young.

Christine and Diane – even Janet was there;

She was just seventeen, it just didn't seem fair.

When I said "oh my God" and yelled "Joey" real loud;

Three Joeys had answered, three was such a sweet crowd!

They were kids we grew up with, they were friends who had passed;

We were all reminiscing, we were having a blast.

Was it something I ate, was I dreaming it all?

Who cares, it was like Heaven, and we all had a ball!

But the next thing I knew, it was getting near dawn;

I suddenly glanced to find everyone was gone.

I looked out the window – the red Caddy was there;

Then quickly it rose up and sped through the air.

As I whispered goodbye and took one final peek;

There still was one tiny tear left on my cheek.

I suddenly wanted to call all my loved ones;

I needed to talk to my buddies and chums.

I told them I loved them and how special they were;

Since I'd had such a gift from that jolly chauffeur.

So at Christmas it's all about people we love;

The ones still down here, and the ones up above.

As we open our presents – Chia Pets and the Clapper;

There is one gift that just doesn't come in a wrapper.

They are memories, mementos, they are photographs too;

Of the loved ones so special to me and to you.

I yelled "Thanks Somerville Santa" as they sped out of sight;

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.


You can email Jimmy directly at jimmydel@rcn.com.

 

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