December 23, 2006
'Twas the day before Christmas, when all through the house, the grandkids were running and chasing a mouse.
The stockings, hung by the chimney with care, were falling into the fire before I could get there.
Only one of the grandkids was nestled snug in her bed, while her brother and cousins danced and jumped on their heads.
Papa in his slippers, and I in my wrap, longed to settle down for a cozy afternoon nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, more grandkids arrived to add to the chatter.
Away to the coffee table I flew like a flash, put away vases, pictures and books before they were trashed.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, meant more kith and kin would come soon with toddlers in tow.
When what to my aging eyes should appear, but a van load of college students with eight cans of beer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be Uncle Rick.
More rapid than eagles, the relatives came, as I whistled and shouted and called them by name:
“Now, Auntie! Now, Uncle! Now, Nephew and Niece! On, Grandpa! On Grandson! On Brother and Sis!”
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, Papa whispered “Dash away! Dash away! Dash away all.”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, the hungry settled round the table ready to eat ‘til they die.
So up to the kitchen, I flew like a flash, threw open the empty cupboards and searched for some cash.
With a purse full of bills and no time to blink, I drove straight to the deli but was soon back at the sink.
There was no food to be had in our little berg, the shops were all closed, the keepers gone home. There was nothing to feed this hungry, wild herd.
And then in a twinkling, I heard in the drive, the screeching and stopping of each giant tire.
As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney the Schwan’s man came with a bound.
A bundle of boxes he had flung on his back, and he looked like a St. Nicholas just opening his pack.
My eyes how they twinkled! My heart how merry! He had entrees, desserts, and even frozen cherries.
He had hams and turkeys, gravy and pie. Casseroles, pizzas, chicken, oh my!
A wink of his eye and a check of his supply, soon gave me to know there was plenty to buy.
There were scalloped potatoes, California blend veggies, green beans and corn, frozen fruits galore, peppermint ice cream and chocolate cake rolls.
He spoke not a word but went straight to his work and filled our fridge, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, into his yellow truck he rose.
I sprang to the task, serving up the stash, and to my guests gave a whistle.
They flew to the table like down on a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
“Next year, lady, buy your food ahead a fortnight (and don’t forget to cook)!”
