It is our tradition each year to share a parody of the classic, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” by Clement Clark Moore. In the past it was about shopping for the perfect last minute gift, misadventures during photos with Santa, and even Chuck Billy’s delight to find he wasn’t on the naughty list. This year we dedicate our parody to Chuck Billy, as we try to muddle through our first Christmas without him, knowing he will always be our star leading us onward!
‘Twas two days before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was smiling, not even my mouse;
No stockings were hung because nobody cared,
If Santa Claus would even come visit here.
My brother Chuck Billy, who we all held dear,
Traveled over The Bridge, and was no longer near;
And Mamma drew the curtains, and Dad dimmed the lights,
As they sat with sad hearts with him out of sight.
When all of a sudden a Golden quite silly,
Said we need to celebrate our dear friend, Chuck Billy!
Away to the closet he flew like a flash,
Tore through his costumes and made a loud crash!
The family did wonder what he was up to,
But the Golden knew just what they all had to do.
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But a Santa clad Asa ready to spread Holiday cheer!
With a bark he proclaimed Christmas is still here,
Chuck Billy would want us to hold fast to things we held dear.
More rapid than fetch they got ready to go,
As they shouted the places from Hallmark TV movie shows:
“Now, Gazebos! Now, Tree Farms! Now Lobster Traps too!
Don, Flannels! Don, Santa hats! Don, Mittens both old and new!
To the places in Maine, where they did deck the halls,
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
Like elves on a mission they got ready to fly,
While keeping an eye to his star in the sky,
So out for adventure the family did flew,
With hearts full of joy for the dog they once knew!
And then, in a twinkling, they went to the beach
And all of the places his paws did once reach.
Chuck Billy’s collar was there by Asa’s side,
While safe in their hearts his memory does reside.
His eyes—how they twinkled! His smile, how merry!
Chuck Billy taught us more than any library!
Asa barked not a word but sat up in his pose,
Remembering to keep an eye out for UFOs!
And soon all the wails and droopy tails,
Gave way to the thought he was just around the bend in the trail.
And folks heard them exclaim as they drove out of sight,
“We Love you Chuck Billy, you’ll always be our guiding light!”
