sat on the busy street corner,
his white beard and red suit in rhyme.
And his ho -ho brought joy to the children,
for again it was Christmas time.
His belly would shake as he merrily laughed,
Spreading his Christmas joy.
Hey, I'm Santa, come sit on my knee,
And say to each little girl and boy.
Stood a lad about seven years old,
With no coat to cover his bony frame,
He was shaky and weak from the cold.
He looked hungry, just skin and bone.
But with a look of peace on
he just stood there alone.
When Santa saw the little boy,
his sympathy grew, and he'd say,
And he covered the trembling frame
as he placed the child on his knee.
The boy looked up to Santa's eyes,
was worshiping for the bearded man,
an d he said, My name is Billy,
Why, you're the greatest in all the land.
And I didn't mean to be no trouble,
He went on, trying hard to smile.
But I heard you laughing,
and I thought, I'd just watch for a while.
But I won't bother you with
Cause I already know I've been bad.
Santa looked down at the ragged boy
where is your mama and dad?
Well, my daddy lives in prison,
And that's what mama says anyhow.
They say he shot mama's boyfriend.
He's been there a long time now.
we live with Mr. Brown now.
Well, Mom works at the bar every day
An d Mr. Brown just drinks beer
whenever I get in his way
So I've been gone about four days now,
But you sure been treatin' me kind
I've been prayin' for you
since I've been big enough,
Santa every Christmas Eve night
and the kids have all their toys
and I know that you made it all right now
I'm so glad to see them so happy
but my stocking is always empty
and that's how I know I've done
wrong well mr. Brown told me all about it
he said I just ain't good
and I know if I wasn't bad
and you would it's okay son
he hadn't seen in a while
the old tear was straining to fill his eyes
he looked down at the lad with a smile
just tell Santa what you like son
anything you might have in mind
I didn't know where you lived before,
but I promise I will not miss
Little Billy's face quickly grew brighter.
Such luck he would never have guessed.
I might have just one request.
Have you ever been to heaven, Santa?
I bet you know God as good as you are.
Could I just ride up to Jesus' house, sir,
If it's not too awful far,
he might let me live there for a while.
Daddy says he likes little boys.
I'd just sit in the back with the toys.
And I promised not to be bad, Santa.
And I could help God do his chores.
And he might even let me see Daddy.
And I wouldn't be hungry no more.
I'm so tired and sleepy now, Santa,"
said the child as he looked
he relaxed against Santa's chest
and peacefully closed his eyes.
for the little boy's pulse.
Someone please get a doctor, he said.
But when the ambulance took
everyone knew he was dead.
The children had grown more silent
as they listened to the little boy.
They were no longer happy and laughing,
his story had stolen their joy.
They looked to Santa for comfort
and he fought for the right words to say.
He wanted to go and live with God,
so now everything's alright.
and I'll see you all Christmas Eve's night.
Merry Christmas, everybody.
4.8
