10/12/2021
When our book club learned that author Charles Dickens once overnighted in Utica due to a heavy rain that flooded the train tracks it was an easy decision to host our annual Christmas gathering at the train station. We would have chosen the Baggs Square hotel had it still been in existence. To commemorate our evening and pay tribute to Dickens a poem that reflected our members was a fun way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Photo credit to Howard Potter!
Twas the night of the Christmas party
When all through the place
All the gals were reading
Well except for the girl
with that look on her face
Me, read a book in time for us to meet?
Oh surely you know I’m too busy reading my husband’s tweets?
The titles were laying atop the table with care
In hopes that some day
That girl would put her wine down and share
Out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
Could it be Santa Claus in need of a ladder?
Oh no said the man whose sport he had paused
It’s just my Otis on the window with his paws.
Away to the window I tore like a flash
Looked out to the barn with a smile and a chuckle
It was actually my horse trying to eat Santa’s buckle
When my eyes adjusted and I knew I had been dreaming
For no it couldn’t be George and Martha
Because then I would be screaming
I jumped into my car ready to drive ever so far
For snow and sleet were nothing I wanted on my feet
To florida we’ll go and leave our shovels behind
We can drive fast for our jobs from the past we’ll never get fines
Before I put the car in drive Santa yelled to me in a hurry
Hey does anyone know those guys on the signs all over the place
They say they have something that will warm me up quick
And put lots of red on my face
With a little old driver, lively and quick
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick
I looked at his sleigh and what to my surprise
It was running with tires and they weren’t the right size
I called my shop quick and ordered snow tires for Nick
Cause I know that rooftop’s can be mighty slick!
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Amanda! now, Sandie! now,
Colleen and Cindy!
On, Dena! on,Maureen! Oh, don’t forget Mitzy
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Time to open your gifts
And see what’s in the bags y’all!
