The Nicholas de Verde Story
Nicholas de Verde’s origin and history is filled with mystery,
so this is a very short story,
with all of that we know about this intriguing signori.
It is believed, centuries ago, late one chilly Christmas eve,
was the only time Nicholas de Verde has ever been seen.
As the legend is told, Befana was bedridden with a wretched cold,
Christmas was on the verge of being on possible hold.
She asked her friend Nicholas to assist,
honored he could not resist.
Nicholas quickly assembled a crew and took off in a flurry.
They arrived in La Spezia with a fleet of bulging dories,
filled with more packages than sleighs could carry.
Determined to succeed, they broke loads onto lorries with steeds,
then quickly set off at a lighting paced speed,
delivering all night by candle and lantern light.
The gifts were all in place before the rising sun,
and they quietly rowed off to their faraway homes,
Nicholas de Verde’s good deed was done,
it was his first and last Christmas run.
