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MERRY QUESTMAS
MERRY QUESTMAS
Edward Iacona
Once upon a Christmastime
That was now many years ago
I was thinking about my Christmases past
With a warm and nostalgic glow.
I wanted to share my childhood
And all the things I did.
It would give some depth to stories
That start, “Well, when I was a kid…”
A vivid memory of my youth
Combined fun, excitement and pretty
Were those holiday trips with my Mom
To see Christmas in New York City.
We’ll bring the kids to Manhattan
It is really not too far.
Just ‘bout ninety minutes by Long Island rail
Or maybe hours by car.
Time has a way or changing things
I was truly aware of that.
So, I knew there would not be lunch
At the Horn and Hardart Automat.
The giant Pepsi waterfall
Atop Bond’s clothing store
And the smoke ring blowing Camel man
Just don’t exist any more.
We marched to Rockefeller Center
But the big tree missed its mark.
As the kids mentioned to me that
There are huge trees in Hecksher Park.
Of the smiling circling skaters below
This was my children’s take.
While they agreed that it looked like fun
That at home there is a frozen lake.
On a bitter cold winters day
Young kids don’t give a heck-o
About the gold statue of Prometheus
Or anything that’s Art Deco.
I knew that in the best toy department
There would be no displays by Lionel.
Those are probably replaced by video games
And electronic joys they wish to sell.
We went to the “World’s Largest Store”
With all the anticipation my heart employs.
But, while Santa still has “Santaland”,
The mighty Macy’s no longer sold toys.
The animated holiday window displays
They were still welcome to be found.
But unlike the days I remembered
There were few people gathered ‘round.
For all the walking, wind and cold
It is with mixed feelings a make this query.
Would Edgar Allen Poe ever think to write
“Once upon a Christmas cheery…”
So my Christmases are only in my mind
The reality has gone to Good Bye Land.
And, now I know better than to try and show
What was my Coney Island.
