2021

While things seem to be getting better, and most feel it is safe to get out and visit family. This is geared to the importance of family, and visiting family, those unmeasured moments, whether the family be the one you were borninto, or the one you have created,

T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
Everyone was stirring, even the mouse.
Family had arrived to join in holiday cheer,
What better way to spend the end of the year.

The times they had changed, and all through the nation,
People flocked to the air and railroad stations.
The pandemic had eased.  It was now safe to travel,
The judge had ruled as he banged his gavel.

The shops were all crowded as folks bustled about,
They’d been home so long, they needed to get out.
They bought gifts for friends and family as well,
Which they planned to deliver, it would be swell.

To see their loved ones was the wish of them all,
To be there in person, not on a zoom call.
To shake their hands and give them hugs,
And maybe raise a few frosty mugs.

The family had come to stay a few days,
And we spent time trying to sort them away.
Bob and Carol would take the spare room, you see,
With kids in their sleeping bags lying under the tree.

Everyone was settled, and things were shut down.
Tomorrow would be jolly, no need to frown.
So we took the dogs and headed to our room.
That’s when we heard a loud sonic boom.

I turned to my wife and asked, “What was that?”
She laid her head down,  “It was probably the cat.”
It seemed it was just me that had heard the sound,
But I got back up to go look around.

But everyone was nestled asleep in their dreams,
Was I the only one coming apart at the seams?
As I walked by the fireplace, something had stirred,
And a man stood before me, his jacket all furred.

He raised a finger to is lips so I would make no noise,
And set down his bag with a fair deal of poise.
He tiptoed through the place, quieter than the mouse.
He’d not the wake the kids or he would be a louse.

He smiled at the children, like sweet docile lambs,
Then turned his back and set about his plans.
Packages were set out, all under the tree,
Knowing that they would be opened with glee.

He smiled and told me, “This is a nice little clan.
It’s good to see family back together again.”
He then ate all the cookies and drank all the milk.
“Ah, that was good.  The last place left me Silk.”

He looked at his work and seemed satisfied,
“My job here is done, but most justified.”
He looked at me now, with a tear in his eye,
And said, “Family is key.  Don’t let this moment go by.”

He gave me a wink and then disappeared.
And yes, you can say it, this whole night was weird.
But I heard him exclaim as he flew from my view,
“May this measureless moment remain with you.”

Copyright Ó 2021 by

Brian and Shirley Dean