Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the store,
Not a creature was stirring, not on the floor
The stockings were hung by the register with care,
In hopes that St. Bumpus soon would be there.
The crazies were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sixteenth notes danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just locked our basses for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lot there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the door I flew like a flash,
Waiting to see inside with my hands full of cash.
Fearing I'd fall in the new-fallen snow
My steps were not quick but choppy and slow.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a smiling face behind the thickest of beards.
With a Slap and a Pop and a Groove that did Thump,
I knew in a moment it must be St Bump.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Gard! now, Danny! now, Cameron and Dave!
On, Allen! On, Joe! on, on Billy and Ray!
To the top of the counter! to the top of the wall!
Now thump away! Thump away! Thump away all!"
As grooves get deeper and fingers they fly,
When they meet with a Roscoe they surely will buy
So up to the registers customers they flew,
With their arms full of Gear, and Cashola too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard from the floor
I'm here guys and ready to open the store
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the lot St. Bump came with a bound.
He was dressed all in his Rocketware, from his head to his toe,
And his step was quick and in time don'cha know.
A bundle of new gear he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they shined! his dimples like chipmunks!
His blues was allright as was his jazz and his funk!
His droll little mouth hardly said a word,
But the grooves he'd play could be felt not just heard.
He could play like few others yup that's understood.
But he sells like a madman, in that he is good.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old Cat,
And I laughed when I saw him, Cause that's where I'm at!
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 filled all the orders, then turned with a jerk.
And taking his finger from inside of his nose,
And giving a nod, from his seat he rose!
He sprang to his feet, to his friends gave a holler,
Picks are on sale um five for a dollar.
But I heard him exclaim, as the store closed that night,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
God Bless, Ray
My favorite part was "And taking his finger from inside of his nose...."
That had to take a while to put together!
I have a knack for teasing folks.
