cant get this out now

                       aint ever seein the light of day   no way no how

three small boys were on a dead run towards him as he approached the bridge that crossed the river dividing the town

they ran up on him breathless

he heard their approach took the book down from his face as he walked

                                                                               You mutts the winners

they couldnt saycouldnt sputter the river was wide

                                                        they nodded   they thought they were

in the distance the woman who accompanied themdeep behind a gaggle of another eight yelled her apologises

                                                                                                SORRY SORRY SO SORRY.

he shook his head UNNECERSSARY THAS UNNECESSARY 

as they closed

                They were no problem as you saw I assumed they were having a foot race

the three shook their heads no

No

one still breathlessstill shaking his head no said No. It wasn’t a race.

he sidestepped the other kids as they walked up on him

                                                             wished them Merry Christmas

in turn they acknowledged himwishing him likewise

finally their chargechaperon walked up to him

                                                  I’m sorry, the boys were rud . .

. . They were not Seemed they were having unmitigated fun

                                                                  If not now  When

she smilednoddedlaughed Yes.

                                     We’re on a scavenger hunt.

Oh joy I didnt think tha remained a thingthas good to hear

Yes. Thank you yes.

                      We have but one item remaining on our list. The boys thought you might be him.

Youre collecting men off the street

she yelped NO. Oh goodness no.

                                     Our last task is to find a man who looks like Santa.

They thought I looked like Santa

They did they did.

                     I am sorry to say you are not, you do not qualify, even if your beard were longer. If it had been I’d still have to disqualify you.

Disqualify me Youre makin me feel bad

                                             he laughed  he almost hohohoed

I’m sorry. Even if your beard were longer you’re . . how to say this . . . you haven’t . . haven't the . girth.

he cocked his head like a rooster 

they laughed simultaneously

   he choked out Ive not been accused of tha before

it went over the kids heads

not hers

finally Lotsa luck finding your Santa  Merry Christmas

still blushing Thank you.  Merry Christmas. 

Wrong he thought  matrons shoudnt blush

1353,  Saturday,  23  12. 23

1948,  Sunday,  24  12. 23

MERRY CHRISTMAS  HAPPY HOLIDAYS   BE WHAEVER THEY MAY BE     PEACE