“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!”
So Apt and Fun, Thank you
That’s great Jeff. Thank you very much. Wishing you all a happy holiday season!.
Absolutely WONDERFUL!!!!
Wonderful, thanks for the big smile!!
Bonafide zingers here and a great tribute to Ms. Brewer for stepping in. Delightful.
Absolutely brilliant! LOVE it.
What a genuine pleasure to read something just plain nice. So refreshing. Thanks Jeff K for writing it and WSR for publishing it.
So fun! Love it. Thanks!
The cutest!!
Thank you, Jeff. A tribute to Gail and you too!!
Delightful! Thank you.
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.
Love love love!
Wonderful! Thanks!
What fun! Thank you for your wonderful effort and for sharing it. Happy Holidays to all!
Wonderful! Well done.
This is wonderful! It speaks to how our Gale will pick up the reins, and drive the cause home! Thanks 🎄
Gail reigns with the reins.
Thank you 💖
Perfectly timed poem from a talented and generous neighbor! Bravo, Jeff!
Charming and brilliant. Many thanks.
Super cute- Happy Holidays to all!!!
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! 🎉🕎🎄☮️💗