Clement C. Moore was a cranky, uptight theologian—not the type of person you’d expect to write “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”  In fact, an argument has been mounted against Moore being the author, though some counter-arguments have been mounted as well.

Regardless, there was a poem written around the same time that was about Santa Claus, and it fit Moore’s cranky, uptight writing style.  It’s a poem for which no one would question giving him credit.  As for “A Visit,” who knows?  That’s what those old sods get for publishing anonymously.

Anyway, enjoy this little cup of Xmas cheer!

Old Santeclaus (1821)

Old Santeclaus with much delight
His reindeer drives this frosty night,
O’er chimney-tops, and tracks of snow,
To bring his yearly gifts to you.

The steady friend of virtuous youth,
The friend of duty, and of truth,
Each Christmas eve he joys to come
Where love and peace have made their home.

Through many houses he has been,
And various beds and stockings seen;
Some, white as snow, and neatly mended,
Others, that seemed for pigs intended.

Where e’er I found good girls or boys,
That hated quarrels, strife and noise,
I left an apple, or a tart,
Or wooden gun, or painted cart.

To some I gave a pretty doll,
To some a peg-top, or a ball;
No crackers, cannons, squibs, or rockets,
To blow their eyes up, or their pockets.

No drums to stun their Mother’s ear,
Nor swords to make their sisters fear;
But pretty books to store their mind
With knowledge of each various kind.

But where I found the children naughty,
In manners rude, in temper haughty,
Thankless to parents, liars, swearers,
Boxers, or cheats, or base tale-bearers,

I left a long, black, birchen rod,
Such as the dread command of God
Directs a Parent’s hand to use
When virtue’s path his sons refuse.

Someone should turn that into a song-poem!

[ Posted in » Poetry Friday ]