As the Lord would have it, we had Christmas Day all to ourselves this year. It wasn’t what we had expected, but Dad was invited to go on a trip to visit an old friend, and everyone else was otherwise occupied or traveling. Believe it or not, we really have to struggle to find time as a family, so it was a welcome solace for us. And what is our favorite relaxing thing to do, usually reserved for Sundays? We take a walk!
Unfortunately, the park was empty. Even our steadfast Park Security was nowhere to be found. We didn’t see the Great Blue Heron, “Harry,” or any birds at all.
It was a little creepy, in fact. Cold and creepy, so not much fun. We high-tailed it around the lake and went back to the truck, intending to head home for our Italian Christmas dinner, when we had the surprise of our life!
With all of the extra time on my hands, I was able to parody a lovely traditional Christmas poem. So I humbly present it here, with tongue firmly in cheek, in hopes you might enjoy it!
‘Twas the Full Day of Christmas
by Carolyn Fuller
Twas the full day of Christmas, when all through the park,
Not a creature was stirring, though it got close to dark.
The checkpoints were there by the fork in the road,
In hopes one might stray there, to throw out some food.
The snow had all melted, 'twas easy to see,
But the park was deserted, so no need to flee.
Alas and alack, not one stirred or chattered,
No security at all, not goose, duck or mallard.
So Beau had his camera, and I had my phone, We'd have settled for a cardinal, but then there were none. Near rhymes and frustration were all we could find, So we headed on home, somewhat sadly, you mind.
When what to our wondering eyes did appear,
But those scallywag geese with black ducks in the rear!
They were lolling about like rich girls in a pool,
Trying to evade us, but we are no fool(s)!
He that spotted them was Tony, and try as they may,
They lost all decorum, when outed that way.
And to make matters worse, they were on private land;
I was sure that the scandal would pinken the sand!
They flopped and they ran to cover their deed,
I'm sure one even skipped; one got stuck in a weed!
As they struggled to get back up on the path,
We looked at each other and couldn't help, but laugh.
We beeped the horn once, and it gave them a fright,
We only meant to salute them on this special night.
Our message wasn't meant to put them to flight:
Merry Christmas to all! And to all, a Good Night!
The Fullers Four 