A MEMO FROM PURGATORY

by Anthony Larson

Illustrated by Paulette Perlman

Hush! Do not talk now: The hour, it grows late. The old fellow’s listening, you know. Checking off names, now; Getting things straight. It lightens his load if you go.
He’s old, our chum Santa, In need of his sleep. He wishes his route were much shorter. He’s sitting there watching And ready to leap If you do a thing you not oughter.
He’ll redline your Christmas As quick as a wink. The time that he saves is his treasure. So take you no chances; Before you act, think! Each consequence carefully measure.
Yes! Act you with caution; Beware what you say; Before Christmas morn do not cave in. Old Claus will come see you And then go away. And you can go back misbehavin’.