Santa's Vacation

Santa’s Vacation

Christmas was approaching, snow was falling,
My spirits were high, for Hawaii was calling.
Once again I’d visit the islands I love,
It was the only thing that I could think of.

I’d go there in March, miss the holiday rush,
Two weeks to relax away from the crush.
True I’d work, but I’d be in Hawaii still,
Surely I’d have some time to kill.

I let my writing friends know where I’d be,
Many were envious or jealous, naturally.
One day an e-mail arrived out of the blue,
From Santa, he would be vacationing there too!

He wanted to hang out, party down at the clubs,
Knew I’d been in the Navy, wanted to tour a Sub.
I knew it would be tough, but how could I say no?
I’d retired long ago, there was no one I’d know.

I made a few calls, explained my plight,
ComSubPac said they would help us one night.
Santa could tour incognito, in shorts and sandals,
Worst of all, he’d have to lose his love handles.

Santa and I had the time of our lives,
We danced in a club with someone’s wives.
He toured a Sub, left presents hidden for all,
They might be found after liberty call.

Santa couldn’t thank me enough it seemed,
His face shown bright, as if lit by a beam.
I was thankful for the time spent with him,
The man, the myth, he’s ‘My Best Friend’.

Jim Dorrell
12/04/16

Author’s notes:

ComSubPac – Commander Submarine Force Pacific

Liberty Call – After work was done for the day, the crew not on duty that day was given ‘liberty’. They were free to go out, go home, as long as they were back at work the next morning.