Here is a little ditty I composed as my contribution to our Writers Guild Christmas Party this week. Apologies to Mr. Clement Moore, whose original poem is epic. (Note: Dave Barton is our neighbor across the street whose light display is famous. He and I are also in a competition to have the most grandchildren. His all happen to live in town.)

Twas the Night Before the Empty-Nest Christmas

The laundry was finished and folded with care

The floor had been swept, not a crumb on a chair.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds

In far-off cities with spouses they’d wed.

And me in my kerchief and Papa in his cap

Had just snuggled in for a long winters’ nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Parted the curtains and peeked over the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave a luster of midday to objects below.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear

But Dave Barton adding more lights and another reindeer.

I closed up the curtains and turned around quick.

I shut off my lights with a remote-control click.

As I drew in my head and was turning around

Papa opened his eyes and ask what I had found.

“Just that poor guy next door,” I said with a jerk

“Who will be up all night with Christmas eve work.”

“While you and I pull blankets right up to our nose

And slumber and sleep and peacefully doze.”

“No one will wake us with a shriek or a whistle.

We’ll softly snore like the down on a thistle.”

“Ah, the empty nest Christmas if really all right.

Merry Christmas my love, and to you a good night.”