Ruben Freebird challenged me with his comment
"I dare you to write something nice about this particular experience."
Well Rube old friend let me tell you what I discovered. I saw him again and I Approached him. Hand outstretched with a five dollar bill between my fingers I asked him "Sir, with that beard and all of your bags I assume you must be the young Santa Claus and somehow have lost your way in a time warp. You went through the backwards aging process (thus the dark beard) while entering my present time and your reindeers all died or perhaps they are not yet born." He seemed a little disoriented but acknowledged me with a nod and a crooked smile. He reached deep into one of his hefty bags and brought out a carton of milk and some fig newtons for us to share. I was so touched by his generous offer I said to him "Santa man, I will help you to buy new reindeers. Here is $40.00, five dollars a reindeer." The N train came to a screeching stop at 49th Street and I waved as I de-boarded.
The next day I came home to find my window broken in and my cheap alarm quietly chirping on weak batteries. I unlocked my door to enter while holding my breath, preparing myself for possession devastation. Nothing was touched or out of order except for a big black trash bag on my futon. Scared, I approached the bag with caution. Since it did not explode after being jabbed with a wooden spoon, I opened it to find a brand new Martin HD-28 Guitar. Please believe me as this is a true story.
Thank you Santa.
