08. A Real Santa Claus (WIP)
Poem Explanation
Last edited 2 hours ago by Learn LoopHQ.
Chapter: 08. A Real Santa Claus
Literary Appreciation
“A Real Santa Claus” by Frank Dempster Sherman is a heartwarming poem that beautifully captures the true spirit of giving and compassion, especially during the festive season. Through the simple yet profound wish of a young poet, the poem encourages readers to look beyond their own desires and extend kindness to those less fortunate. Its gentle rhythm and clear message make it highly accessible and impactful for young readers, fostering empathy and teaching that the greatest joy often comes from making others happy. It reminds us that being a “Santa Claus” means embodying generosity and selflessness.
Summary of the Poem
The poem “A Real Santa Claus” tells the story of a thoughtful young poet who prepares for Santa’s visit by hanging two stockings by the chimney. One stocking is for himself, but the other is for a poor boy he knows, who lives in a bare room and only dreams of Christmas joys. The poet describes the poor boy’s sad situation, with no stockings, worn-out shoes, and a broken bed. He then asks Santa to fill his own stocking with all the toys and happiness that the poor boy dreams of. The poet’s plan is to then become “Santa Claus” himself and give these gifts to the needy boy, ensuring that he too experiences a Merry Christmas.
Stanza-Wise Explanation
1. A Double Wish
Santa Claus, I hang for you, By our chimney, stockings two: One for me and one to go To another boy I know.
The poet addresses Santa Claus directly, explaining that he has hung two stockings by the chimney. While one is for himself, the other is intended for a different boy whom the poet knows, showing an immediate thought for someone else.
2. A Hidden Chimney
There’s a chimney in the town, You have never travelled down. Should you chance to enter there, You would find a room all bare,
The poet then tells Santa about a particular chimney in town that Santa has never visited. He describes how, if Santa were to go down this chimney, he would find a very empty and plain room, suggesting a lack of warmth and comfort.
3. Empty and Worn
Not a stocking could you spy, Matters not how you might try; And the shoes, you’d find, are such As no boy would care for much.
Here, the poet highlights the poverty of the house further. He tells Santa that there would be no stockings hanging there, no matter how hard he looked. Even the shoes found in the room would be old and worn out, things that no boy would really want or be happy to receive.
4. A Boy’s Simple Dream
In a broken bed, you’d see Someone just about like me, Dreaming of the pretty toys, Which you bring to other boys;
The poet then reveals that in this bare room, on a broken bed, Santa would find a boy who is just like the poet himself – a child. This boy is lying there, dreaming of all the beautiful toys that Santa usually brings to other children during Christmas.
5. Dreams of a Merry Christmas
And to him, a Christmas seems Merry only in his dreams. All he dreams, then, Santa Claus, Stuff his stocking with, because
For this poor boy, a joyful and festive Christmas only exists in his imagination and dreams. The poet, therefore, makes a special request to Santa: he asks Santa to fill his own stocking with everything that the poor boy dreams of, implying a special purpose for these gifts.
6. Becoming Santa
When it’s filled up to the brim I’ll be Santa Claus to him.
The poet concludes his heartfelt request by explaining his plan. Once his own stocking is completely full (to the brim) with all the dreamed-of gifts, he himself will take on the role of Santa Claus and deliver all those joys to the needy boy.
Literary Techniques, Poetic Choices, and Figures of Speech
Themes / Message of the Poem
Author Spotlight: Frank Dempster Sherman
Meet Frank Dempster Sherman (1860-1916), the talented poet behind “A Real Santa Claus”! What’s interesting about Mr. Sherman is that he wasn’t just a poet; he was also a Professor of Graphics at Columbia School of Architecture. Imagine, a person who taught about drawing and design also wrote beautiful poems! This unique background might be why his poems, like “A Real Santa Claus,” often create such clear and touching pictures with words.
He penned several collections of poems, including “Madrigals and Catches” and “Lyrics for a Lute.” But for young readers, his most special collection might be “Little-Folk Lyrics,” which is where our poem “A Real Santa Claus” comes from. So, next time you read his poems, think about how a professor who taught people to draw buildings also painted wonderful stories with his words!
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