Billy woke me from my sleep, whispered in my ear, “you creep.

Have you forgotten what we planned? I’ve dragged you back from Neverland.”

I wiped my sleepy eyes and said, “don’t panic, bro”, slipped out of bed.

He answered, “yeah, they’ve both turned in, let’s steal downstairs and then begin

to watch for Santa coming back, sliding down our chimney stack.”

We’d set this up since late last year, we’d do it now and show no fear.

Some guys at school said, “don’t believe, the Santa myth’s meant to deceive.”

We said that we would prove them wrong, we knew that Santa’d be along.

Our parents safely fast asleep meant we could now our vigil keep.

We hid behind our daddy’s chair, a super vantage point from where

the chimney breast was in our sight, the spot where Santa’d land tonight.

The minutes passed, the air was chill, we waited for our Christmas thrill.

Alas, no action did transpire, our hearts and minds began to tire.

But then! A bang upon the roof! What could it be? A reindeer hoof?

Soot settled on the stony grate, I thought, “he’s here, wow, I can’t wait!”

Mum’s voice sent shivers up my spine, “what are you doing at this time?”

“Come quick, you’re meant to be in bed; you naughty boys,” she sharply said.

She pushed us both towards the door, would Santa come, I wasn’t sure?

Mum followed us back to our room, switched off the light, we were in gloom.

Darkness, yes, low spirits, too, our game was up we sadly knew.

Was Santa real? We’d never know. “Let’s go to sleep” said my big bro.

I murmured “Happy Christmas, Bill.” No answer came, the night was still.

He’d voyaged to the Land of Nod. I whispered softly, “Good night, God.”