Photo by Julian Sestanovich

‘Twas 24 nights before Christmas, and all through our house,
Quite a lot was a-stirring ‘twixt me and my spouse.
Our coats were removed from the closet with care,
And hastily donned ‘gainst the chilly night air.

With nary a thought of our snug master bed,
We arrived close to Main Street via Subaru sled.
Jim in fine fedora and I in beret,
We proceeded down Main Street to strut and sashay.

The crowds were good-spirited but made quite a clatter.
Never fear! Benicia’s police ensured naught was the matter.
We saw head bobbles that twinkled and scarves that did flash.
Even the old fire engine conveyed a certain panache.

The almost-full moon high above gave a glow
To the cheery brass band of the Panthers below,
And then an orchestra of youngsters did appear
To enchant us with Christmas carols, familiar and dear.

Now I must hasten this poem, ‘ere I run out of time,
Not to mention the invention of words that must rhyme!
So I shall say that among the Santa hats galore,
I spied the real Mr. and Mrs. Claus in a store!

And then – at last! Jim gave a great whistle.
There, at the end of Main Street, tall as a missile,
Was THE TREE, so splendid, awash with colored light!
Happy Christmas, Benicia! It was a wonderful sight!

A tip o’ the hat and apologies to Clement Clarke Moore, attributed author of A Visit from St. Nicholas, 1823.

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