An Enid Christmas Story

 

'Twas the night before Christmas, 

In Enid, OK,

No one was stirring; 

No one was at play.

Wrapped up in their quilts,

My family asleep,

Their eyes were closed tight,

And breathing so deep.

We had all our stockings, 

Hung there, on the wall,

Empty, but hopeful, 

That Santa would call.

And me? 

I was watching the Christmas tree lights, 

When l of the sudden, 

I stood up in a fright.

I saw through the window, 

As bright as the sun,

A loaded down pickup, 

Comin’ on at a run,

It sparkled and glistened 

In the clear Oakie night,

With three dogs, riding shotgun, 

That made such a sight.

He called ‘em by name: 

"Butch, Heidi and Wyatt,

There'll be plenty of riding; 

Now hush and sit tight."

The driver wore Levi's 

And a shirt that was red,

And a light-grey felt Stetson 

Was perched on his head.

As he stepped from his rig, 

He was really a sight,

His beard and his moustache 

Were curly and white.

As he burst in the door, 

My family awoke,

And me? I was speechless. 

Not one of us spoke.

He looked at our tree, and our lights; 

Gave a nod

And said, “But y’all know – 

Tonight is really how God

In His love sent His Son 

To save you from sin;

Eternal redemption 

For you He will win.”

Then softly, and lowly, 

He led "Silent Night,"

And “Joy to the World,” 

And then said: “Good night.”

As he climbed in one-ton, 

My son moved his jaws

And asked in a whisper, 

"Are you Santa Claus?"

"Am I the real Santa? 

Well, what do you think?"

And he smiled as he gave 

A mysterious wink.

As he pulled out of the driveway,

He hollered back with a drawl,

"To all across Enid: 

Merry Christmas, Y’all!”