‘ It’s Christmas time in the city…’

‘ It’s Christmas time in the city…’

A poetic ode to the West Memphis tree lighting festivities

news@theeveningtimes.com

Only the anticipation for Santa was higher than the warm mid-autumn temperatures as families packed Worthington Park Tuesday evening. Kids clamored around waiting for the lighting of the West Memphis Christmas tree.

With apologies to the late Clement C. Moore, I’ve borrowed heavily from his poem originally entitled “A Visit from St. Nicholas” to describe the scene in the neighborhood park during the annual tree lighting.

‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving eve, when through the park, many children were seen just after dark.

The lights were hung by the big spruce with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

When out on the lawn there arose children’s clamor.

When what to my wandering eyes did appear? But a red clad Santa in turn out gear.

With a little old WM fire truck, so lively and quick, I knew in an instant it would deliver St. Nick.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot.

His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on His chin was as white as the snow.

He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and flipped all the switches, that turned on all new LEDs.

And laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, for photos did pose.

I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight – Happy Christmas to all and I really like your new park lights.

By John Rech