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A Delightful Early Christmas Gift From a Talented Neighbor; Do Open!

December 8, 2022 | 3:40 PM
in ABSURDITY, ART, NEWS
23
Photograph by Loneshieling.

“The Night Before Christmas”
By Jeff Kindley

‘Twas the night before Christmas on the Upper West Side.
There wasn’t a soul who was not gentrified,
Except for the workers who make Christmas merry,
Pedaling fast with the presents they carry.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While mommies and daddies were dining in sheds
And nannies with kids of their own far away
Kept watch on their offspring until Christmas Day
When suddenly out of the lamp-dotted dark
A vision came flying above Central Park.
What to my wondering eyes did appear
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer
Driven by someone quite new to this viewer.
I said to myself, “Can that be Gale Brewer?”
“Merry Christmas!” she called. “Happy Hanukkah too!
Santa has Covid, so what can you do?
He said to me, ‘Gale, I am feeling so ill.
I need you to help me. There’s big boots to fill.’
So who could say no to the fella in red?
I always step up. Now I’m stuck in this sled.”
But Gale, being Gale, was up to the task.
“Except for those chimneys. Oh Santa, don’t ask.”
I heard her exclaim ere she drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas, West Siders! To all a good night!”

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23 Comments
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Lenore Schlossberg
Lenore Schlossberg
1 month ago

So Apt and Fun, Thank you

11
Reply
Leonard Peters
Leonard Peters
1 month ago

That’s great Jeff. Thank you very much. Wishing you all a happy holiday season!.

10
Reply
Jane
Jane
1 month ago

Absolutely WONDERFUL!!!!

6
Reply
Florence kranitz
Florence kranitz
1 month ago

Wonderful, thanks for the big smile!!

7
Reply
Mildred Alpern
Mildred Alpern
1 month ago

Bonafide zingers here and a great tribute to Ms. Brewer for stepping in. Delightful.

8
Reply
Frances
Frances
1 month ago

Absolutely brilliant! LOVE it.

4
Reply
Martha
Martha
1 month ago

What a genuine pleasure to read something just plain nice. So refreshing. Thanks Jeff K for writing it and WSR for publishing it.

11
Reply
Laurie
Laurie
1 month ago

So fun! Love it. Thanks!

3
Reply
Stephanie Jutt
Stephanie Jutt
1 month ago

The cutest!!

5
Reply
Maxine DeSeta
Maxine DeSeta
1 month ago

Thank you, Jeff. A tribute to Gail and you too!!

6
Reply
MAMC
MAMC
1 month ago

Delightful! Thank you.

5
Reply
Nancy Wight
Nancy Wight
1 month ago

A poem of sheer genius! Thank you very much Jeff. Also, sled and shed could rhyme somehow. The sled got stuck in a shed? I dunno.

2
Reply
Kathryn Klein Eddy
Kathryn Klein Eddy
1 month ago

Love love love!

4
Reply
Rob
Rob
1 month ago

Wonderful! Thanks!

3
Reply
Martha H
Martha H
1 month ago

What fun! Thank you for your wonderful effort and for sharing it. Happy Holidays to all!

2
Reply
Leslie Rupert
Leslie Rupert
1 month ago

Wonderful! Well done.

3
Reply
Stephanie Tegnazian
Stephanie Tegnazian
1 month ago

This is wonderful! It speaks to how our Gale will pick up the reins, and drive the cause home! Thanks 🎄

4
Reply
Phoebe
Phoebe
1 month ago
Reply to  Stephanie Tegnazian

Gail reigns with the reins.

0
Reply
Doe
Doe
1 month ago

Thank you 💖

3
Reply
Naomi
Naomi
1 month ago

Perfectly timed poem from a talented and generous neighbor! Bravo, Jeff!

3
Reply
Joanne Daniels
Joanne Daniels
1 month ago

Charming and brilliant. Many thanks.

0
Reply
Bones Rodriguez
Bones Rodriguez
1 month ago

Super cute- Happy Holidays to all!!!

0
Reply
Lynne Scheurer-Foster
Lynne Scheurer-Foster
1 month ago

Jeff you are fantastic- a Renaissance man! Lotus Gardener, rodent Tsar, award-winning screenwriter, documentarian, awesome family man and beloved West Side bard! Thank you for the holiday cheer! 🎉🕎🎄☮️💗

0
Reply

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