Mr. Loescher’s Coming to Town

By Mira Pengov

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house
The only creature stirring was a little mouse;
Tissue Boxes strewn on the fireplace without care;
Knowing Santa Clause couldn’t be there…
He’s nestled all snug in his bed;
with visions of Corona dancing in his head;
With his ‘kerchief, on the desk lay his hat,
he settle his mind for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed confused by the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash-
The moon staring down perplexed to the snow,
That responded with a wink and a happy glow,
When what to my wondering headlights appeared,
But a sport utility veered,
A young driver so lively and quick,
I was perplexed, this is not St. Nick!
More rapid than eagles his courses he chimed,
And he whistled and shouted and called it by name;
As stuck in the snow his tires they chided,
For he was in a hurry to return whence he came.
As leaves that before the hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, shouts to the sky;
So up to the streetlight the coursers flew
With a truck full of toys, and Mr. Loescher too-
And then in the twinkling, I heard on the summit
The prancing and bounding of each little present.
As I drew my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney the gifts came with a bound.
They were garnishes from top to foot,
Although slightly tarnished with ash and soot;
I ran to the window for one last look,
The drivers beard wasn’t white or covered in soot;
He smiled with a mischievous twinkle in his eye,
And I tilted my head with a confused sigh.
I heard him chuckle as he drove out of sight-
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!”