Happy New Year

'Twas the day before New Years I rose from my bed My visions of sugar plums Were unexpected guests instead. And what to my straining ears Should I hear, But the stool in the master bath Running full gear. On Matthew, on Karl, On Savannah and Jaime, Hurry find grandpa, If you are able. Then out to the kitchen I flew in a flash, I put on the coffee Stumbling over the trash. The toaster not working, I used the grill, While halos of smoke Drifted over the sill, The fire alarm screamed Louder than me The family came running As fast as could be. When the visitors were fed And sent on their way, 'Twas off to the john That had been put on delay. On Mickee, On Mariah, A monkey wrench we need. On April, on Nicole, Feed the dog if you please. And the job on the john That should take just a minute, Lasted all day Taking our patience with it. Once the problem was mended And the grandchildren fed, Grandpa and I Stumbled off to our bed. When suddenly I hear Through the din and the cheer, Have a happy, happy, happy Happy New Year! Cile Beer written 1998