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.