"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep."

Sunday, December 24, 2006

'Twas The Morn Before Christmas

‘Twas the morn before Christmas, when all through the streets
A smattering of cars, I did happen to meet;
Filled with anxious faces of those not yet done,
They off to the malls and I off on a run;

I set out in earnest and down Grandin I sped,
While visions of a Garmin danced in my head;
Clad in my Under Armour, and Fleet Feet cap,
I settled my pace and followed my map,

When off in the distance there arose such a clatter,
I picked up my speed to see what was the matter.
Crossing Memorial I flew like a flash,
And on past the firehouse I continued to dash.

The sun of the morn on the pavement below
And 60 degree temperatures guaranteed no snow,
But what to my sweat filled eyes should appear,
But a beat up old pickup with no second gear,

With a harried little driver, so tense and distraught,
I knew in a moment no presents he’d bought.
More rapid than eagles his curses they came,
As he called his poor truck a bevy of names;

‘You Bastard, you Lemon, you Junk Pile and Heap!
I should dig a big hole and bury you deep!
Off to the stores! Off to the mall!
Now start! damn you start! Or Triple A I will call!’

In a panic he reached and jerked the glove box handle,
Knocking away a flashlight, some maps and a candle;
And with rage and a match, he held up the title;
When suddenly the old truck, began to idle.

His eyes - they now twinkled! His dimples how merry!
He threw it in first and left in a hurry.
Speeding on to the mall for his last minute shopping,
Hoping his truck had no thoughts of stopping.

I stood there and watched as he faded from sight,
The smoke from his exhaust obscuring my sight;
Grateful that I, share not his ill fate;
Of having to shop at such a late date.

For fortunate am I during the holiday spree,
As Beth does the shopping, wraps the gifts and trims the tree;
In addition, the cooking and the halls to bedeck;
All I have to do is hand her the check.

So as I began once again to finish my run;
I thought to myself, I am the lucky one.
To have such a friend, a lover and wife,
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a Good Life!

(My humblest apologies to Clement Clark Moore.)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a gift you just gave Beth! Enjoyed your version.

Anonymous said...

That was me, Karen