Poem:

Christmas 2006

Attempt at Funny Poetry That Conveys

What’s Happened To Us In The Past 12 Months

By Rebecca Montalbano

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,

Everybody was hyper, even the mouse!

The stockings were jam-packed with Pez and Lego Blocks

In hopes that would keep the kids happy ‘til at least seven o’clock!

The children were nestled all snug in their beds.

Yeah, right! They were partyin’! “Go to sleep!” I said.

And Chris in his boxers and I in my gown

Had just snuggled under our quilt made of down.

When out in the yard we heard such a clatter,

I elbowed my husband and said, “Go see what’s the matter!”

Away to the window he stumbled and limped,

But it just wouldn’t open, despite his attempt.

The hundreds of strands of multi-colored lights all aglow

Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.

When what to his bleary eyes should appear

But an odd, new, fat neighbor walking eight pet reindeer.

Their droppings were HUGE, and quickly they came,

And the man whistled and called each reindeer by name.

Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!

Oh, Comet! Oh, Cupid! Oh, Donner and Blitzen!

Just look what a mess ya’ll have made in this yard!

I’ve got to clean this up, and it’s gonna be hard!

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And bagged all the poop and then turned with a jerk.

He walked all the reindeer down our darkened street,

And we heard the prancing of their thirty-two feet.

After this scene went dark, I woke up from that dream

To the smell of fresh coffee and the digital clock’s gleam.

I quickly got up and put on my sweats

To have time alone to think about how crazy life gets.

With Mom in the nursing home and Pop staying at Rick’s,

Our house just feels empty and this I can’t fix.

Our children are precious and they truly keep us going,

With love and energy they are constantly flowing.

They keep us reminded of what’s important and real,

And they are my true motivation in life, I feel.

Jessie’s a writer and artist, that’s true,

With hair of gold and eyes of blue.

Growing up too fast, and getting so tall,

She’s a special girl who has just got it all.

Noah’s our sweet boy who’s trying to learn to be tough.

Dealing with bullies at school is really quite rough.

He’s finding his way at his new school,

And learning that being a nerd really can be cool.

Annie’s the “Love Lamb,” so loving and sweet,

And smart and funny – she’s quite a treat!

At reading and math she’s just my little star!

With her smarts and her humor, she’s sure to go far.

Pioneer Playschool is where Lizzy is all day.

She’s learning a lot, and just two miles away!

The “Pixie Princess” with her bouncy blonde curls

Is about to be five – a sweet, smart, big girl.

Chris sold “The Nerd Guy” and accepted a position

With the new owner as a computer technician.

His stress is now less and his energy more.

He has more time for his wife and the kids he adores.

I’m teaching at my new Hoover school – Gwin.

Jessie, Noah, and Annie are with me all day again!

There have been lots of changes in our lives this past year.

It’s brought the six of us closer and that’s very clear.

So as we celebrate today with our big crew,

We say Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas to you!

We look forward to happier times around here,

And we hope you have a wonderful, happy new year!