Stormy Christmas Eve
It had been snowing all the day and
the skies were lookin glum.
My mama started crying when
the mailman didn't come.
Tomorrow would be Christmas Day,
Dad said, "I'll ride to town."
He put his warm racoon coat on
and pulled his big hat down.
Then my mama began to fret,
I saw her fingers drumming.
"Do you think that you really should?
I fear a storm is coming."
My daddy said, "I'll be okay
if I am riding Dan.
You know that horse will find the way.
He's smarter than a man.
Then Mama gave him a big kiss
and said. "Now do take care."
She waved him off into the storm
and wiped away a tear.
My mama plucked the turkey
and kept looking at the clock
while little brother prattled on
about his Christmas sock.
The storm was growing stronger and
the light turned into dark,
while I was just a wishing I
would hear old Ringo bark.
Mama lit the keorsene lamp
and started slicing bread.
"I should have told him Christmas
could be late." I think she said.
But then I heard old Ringo bark
and saw my mama smile.
I knew I'd hear my daddy at
the back door in a while.
That horse of daddy's brought him
safely home through blowing storm.
He said that he was glad to be
back home where it was warm.
Then he said he'd met a stranger
while on his homeward way.
He recognized old Santa Claus
by reindeer and red sleigh.
Santa said he would be happy
to lighten up his pack
and be obliged if Daddy would
relieve him of plump sack.
Brother and I went to our beds
to wake to a surprise
from Santa Claus, whom our daddy
had seen with his own eyes.
Joyce Johnson
Posted in Cowboy Poetry Bar D Ranch Christmas 2004
Copyright © Joyce Johnson | Year Posted 2009
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