I got to visit New York City last week, thanks to Hugh Jackman- um…I mean my sweet husband. He knew both NYC at Christmas AND Hugh Jackman were high on my list of would-love-to’s. Jackman’s been starring in The Music Man on Broadway and announced the show would close after the new year.
How lucky am I that my husband pays attention to my list, right?
I grew up on The Music Man. If I stumble upon the Robert Preston/Shirley Jones movie, dinner goes unmade, dog hair unvacuumed. I sing and scare anyone in listening range. When I was little the soundtrack serenaded us at dinner on nights when my dad had to work late. My mom says it was the only way she could get five kids to eat quietly.
In 1963, my two-year-old brother got lost at a Stern Grove SF concert amid thousands of Music Man fans. We found him atop the shoulders of the marching band leader, straddling the feathered top hat, a big grin on his face. Two months ago, after 18 months of rehearsals and two Covid outbreaks, my 90-year-old father sang the role of the lisping Winthrop in his senior living community’s performance.
That explains The Music Man. But why NYC at Christmas? It may be rooted in my roots as a suburban girl– I’m equally mesmerized by starlight on snow-draped mountains and the man-made sparkle of urban life.
Or maybe I just needed a little Christmas magic.
christmas magic
I could bemoan
the exorbitant energy consumption
of millions of twinkling lights
stripping a girthy evergreen from its roots
the all-season scaffolding adorning most streets
I could cast a cynical eye roll at retail windows selling joy
but I delight in white lights wound tight to bare branches
enormous wreaths encrusted, ornamented
swags and plaid
bows bedecking buildings
I make an examen
–am I putting my values on hold?
I could calculate my carbon imprint
–penalty points for privileged forgetfulness-
my rush to purchase a raincoat
weigh the risks of holiday Covid, opt for the N95
I wonder
–the bartenders mixing my mules and sours–
maybe forgiving my holiday lapses,
counting tips toward their own tickets home
ensemble dancers, gleeful
to be in company or thinking of their own tired feet
and my weathered seatmate
telling me of her deceased auntie
–her prayer, mine?
the gift:
a wink of window dressing
— when you’re weary, you want happy not sad-
a walk in a park
a friend, the art
talk over wine as night falls
even those tired carols
I’d rather not hear in Target in November
I share a sheepish smile with the guy in front of me
follow him into the show, humming the same song.
©2022, Patricia J. Franz
Find some more poetry magic at the Poetry Friday round up, hosted this week by Karen Edmisten*
Patricia Franz is a kidlit writer and published poet. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
The Music Man! One of my favorites from way back. I enjoyed reading your New York poem.
Thank you, Susan!
Oh, my, Patricia—yes! I know every song and so many moments of life seem to beg for bursting into one of them! What an exciting and wonderful experience to be able to see it in NYC at Christmas time!
So joyful, right?
What a wonderful experience you had! There’s nothing like NYC at Christmas.
And I’m so glad I had the chance. 🙂
I agree, “when you’re weary, you want happy not sad-
a walk in a park
a friend, the art”
Sounds like a wonderful trip, thanks for sharing!
Definite lift-me-up!
You captured perfectly the conundrum of our celebration of the holiday + its impact on the planet.
sigh…yes.
Wow! Your hubby got the gift right this year. I love your story of growing up on ‘The Music Man.’ I grew up on the music of my parents and I love to hear it now and again. My Mom had a record of ‘The Fantastiks’ and I loved it. But, I digress. Your poem is so happy…such a good pairing to your story(even with an examen), A wink of window dressing lifts my spirits.
an examen to keep me grounded!
Ah, the fun of beloved old musicals! (And the joy of seeing them in person — huzzah!) Your poem captures the magic of a magical trip.
it was such fun!
Patricia, you captured NYC at Christmas time. I miss seeing the tree and shopping and window gazing on 5th Avenue. I do regret not going into the city one last time before moving to Virginia but COVID prohibited my venture. Thank you for sharing your delightful trip. It brings back so many memories of Christmas past. The image you captured is set beautifully with your poem of memories. Happy Holidays!
Coming from the west coast, I know what a treat it is to immerse myself in a completely opposite experience. It was a joy!
I had to reread your post after seeing those enormous balls that delighted me each year. I love them so much that we bought one to decorate our outside this year. Love your poem!
What a fun idea to incorporate at home!
What a wonderful gift from your husband. I’ve never been to NYC at Christmas, but your poem made me feel Iike I was right there with you! Happy Holidays!
NYC was such a treat!
Oh, this is fabulous! I especially enjoyed all the internal rhyme in your poem, along with your storytelling. Such a joyful post!
Thank you!