LITTLE ROCK — CHRISTMAS EVE, at first impress Looks to be a merry session: Every year, a festive tale-Once again, too big to fail.
This year, though, the fun is leaner.
How come Santa’s glum demeanor?
“One word,” Santa sighs: “Recession!- “Says it all for dour expression: “Gives the world a frozen frown, “Even gets Mike Beebe down.
“First, a year of wretched rain, “And now, this yuletide budget strain!” Frosty nods in grim agreement;
Rudolph sums it up: “Vehement!” Signs of gloom are everywhere:
Little Rock-a little bare.
Hope-a melon-choly gray.
Fayetteville-but where’s the fete?
Santa’s had it: “This won’t do!
“We’re down,” he says, “with chimney flu.
“The cure, my friends, is more of me.
“Christmas needs a spending spree.
“Money’s tight, but here’s a flash: “Spending doesn’t call for cash.” “Here’s a great example-whee!” Santa demonstrates with glee: “Spending time on Santa’s knee- “Bouncy-bouncy-bounce, Jack See!
“Spending laughter’s where it’s at- “High as Andre Poirot’s hat.”“Chef Poirot spends herbs and spice;
“Ellen Kreth invests in nice;
“Kris Allen buys a shot at fame;
“Pam Smith’s a very banked-on name;
“Mike Ross insists on bang for buck.
“Such values rate an armored truck.” “Mark Stodola and Patrick Henry Hays “Spend civic pride in civic ways, “Like campers spend their nights in tents “And guys with bows would give two cen “To hear the state’s best, 10-pound reason “How come-hey!-no turkey season?”“In fact,” he cautions, “in the end, “A soul or two might overspend: “Blanche Lincoln’s vote on health-care throes “Might cost the door slammed in her nose.
“And buying into clemency “Is apt to drain Mike Huckabee.”“We spend! Ho-ho! We do! We splurge!” Cries Santa with a jolly surge That prompts the crowd to give still more: Mike Duke, of Wal-mart, bets the store.
From Scotty Thurman: one tall wish.
From Alex Biris-a petri dish.
Judge John Ward contributes, free, One chocolate-peppermint decree;
Nan Plummer, for the artful tummy, Offers up a Gummy-mummy;
Jim Koonce, who cares for children’s teeth, Holy molar!-hangs a wreath.
Decorations, red and green Brighten this year’s Christmas scene:
Mark Abernathy’s new Red Door
The Rep’s young artists-stars galore.
Twinkle lights in Mark Pryor’s eyes.
Vic Snyder’s mustache-customized.
And everywhere: A tree! A gift!
The state’s new lottery-scratched and sniffed.
Dale Dawson’s pine-Pat Carlton’s yew.
Rock Island Bridge, marked “I.O.U.”
And John DiPippa’s pip-pip cheer, Almost like Elton John was here.
“There, now!-” booms Santa, “Ho-ho-ho!
“We’re busted flat, yet all aglow “With shine from Gena Lovett’s smile, “And Vicki Vowell’s bright sense of style, “Tim Lindblom’s class, Bill Wofford’s brass-“This Christmas Eve will come to pass.” With no more yak, he leaps to sled, And tells his deer, “Full speed ahead!” “On, Dancer-be of nimble hoof, “And light on Coach Petrino’s roof.
“We’ll dive-bomb everybody’s house “With blasts of cheer. We’ll stir the mouse!” Yes, Christmas comes-a fest, indeed!
It comes in debt for reindeer feed, It comes behind on this month’s rent, It comes with Santa’s bold intent: Times get tough, the tough get goin’, Most of all when times are snowin.’
Editorial, Pages 12 on 12/24/2009