Give Little Billy a Drum this Year

A story inspired by medleys that combine both religious and secular Christmas songs.

Little orphan Billy marched around with beaming joy,

He drummed up Christmas spirit on a broken wooden toy.

Sophisticated people filled the city streets with cheer,

They wished for happy holidays and gifts that time of year.

Jolly old Kris Kringle kindly lent his ear each way,

Securing special secrets soon to stash inside his sleigh.

Conductor Carol’s chorus chimed ding dong without a care,

Their merry melody made magic music in the air.

The Duke of Holly greeted friends on sidewalks where he strolled.

The Earl of White sat dreaming of his Christmases of old.

Lord Wunderbar spun yarns about a gallivanting ghost,

The lovely Lady Tannenbaum posed prettier than most.

Standing in the square without a gift to call his own,

Billy ran away to bitter wilderness unknown.

The swirling snow distorted shapes that shuffled through the trees,

The whirling wind persisted as the boy began to freeze. 

Just before his failing heart could drum its final beat,

A helping hand appeared providing guidance, hope, and heat.

Billy thanked the spirit, who was once a noble king,

Then in the midnight sky, he saw a mesmerizing thing.

A sacred shining star blinked like a beacon in the East,

The ghostly guide, now gone, had conjured up a hearty feast.

Taking what he needed, Billy marched toward the light,

He came upon a kingdom glowing softly in the night.

A shaggy shepherd saint lay in a field amongst his sheep,

He woke his fleecy flock then led the way without a peep.

Hark, the herald angel, joined the group to tag along,

Not far behind, her peaceful choir spoke splendidly in song.

Princess Ivy gathered friendly fauna in pursuit,

A silent knight sat smiling by a manger in salute.

Three mages huddled close to see a prophecy unfold,

The new born king before them was a vision to behold.

Billy played his drum the best he could to please the child,

In welcoming response, the baby boy looked back and smiled.

Suddenly, from Santa’s sleigh, a gift fell from above,

Inside the box: A brand new drum for Billy packed with love.

That Christmas eve beneath the stars, an orphan felt his worth,

When songs of jolly men could blend with songs of holy birth.

A little drummer boy belongs wherever he is blessed,

You’ll find him drumming everywhere, ‘cause that’s what he likes best.

Author's Note

Open to alternative title ideas :)