T'Was the Night After New Years

(True story...!!)      
                                   ~
T'was the night after New Years, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings and tree stored away with a sigh,
Finished the eggnog, and the last piece of pie.
Me in my nightie,  while Pa fed the cat 
We had just let the dog out, and said, "Goodnight, dear, that's a wrap!"
Then we both settled down for a long winter's nap

When the phone by the bedside, cracked the silence with a clatter!
And I awoke in a daze to see what was the matter!
Neighbor Dan on the phone.....he needed some help!
I laughed when he told me, in spite of myself!
A cow's in his pool, so chubby and plump!!
He needed some help to haul out it's big rump!

Rushing over,...to my wondering eyes should appear
There's Old Bessie in water, her eyes full of fear!
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof,
Old Bessie was frightened, she had made a big goof!

Friends ran to the rescue, and went straight to work...
Taking care that poor Bessie wouldn't get hurt.
They put heads together and laid out a plan,
Getting ropes 'round Old Bessie as fast as they can.
Tied the ropes to Dan's truck, then gave him a whistle
And up came Old Bessie like the down of a thistle!
She shook from the cold like a bowlful of jelly,
So they patted and prodded, till she rolled on her belly.
Then off ran the cow, with relief and so merry,
Her cheeks a bit frozen, her nose like a cherry!

We were offered hot chocolate to warm up again,
Four o'clock in the morning, and it was time to turn in!
Our neighbor called out, as we got out of sight,
"Have a good year and thank you!! And to all a good night!"


_________
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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12
A  Avatar
January 15, 2014 at 9:49 PM
CARRIE, Congrats, with your EPIC CHRISTMAS is winning poem... TAKE CARE :) ~SKAT~
Onclaud Avatar
January 3, 2014 at 3:21 PM
a whale of a christmas true-to-life story; really exciting, carrie... sweet congrats!
Hamilton Avatar
January 3, 2014 at 1:21 PM
Carrie so wonderful and inspiring congrats on win Shadow x smile hug
Mehta Avatar
January 3, 2014 at 4:44 AM
Enjoyed your epic poem and congrats on the win, Carrie
Gasun Avatar
January 3, 2014 at 2:51 AM
My heartfelt congratulations my dear friend, Carrie ! Biggest hugs! Thank you so much for your support. Happy, Happy New Year and Advance Happy Three Kings! love lots, Leonora
Merryman Avatar
December 22, 2011 at 8:25 PM
What a great story! Congrats on your win, Carrie. Kim
Brown Avatar
December 20, 2011 at 6:17 AM
Congratulations on your super win in Debbie Guzzi's contest Carrie. Love, Carol
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
December 20, 2011 at 2:00 AM
Good Story Congratulations Carrie x
Brown Avatar
November 7, 2011 at 1:38 PM
Congratulations on your win in P.D.'s "Holiday Poem"contest Carrie. Love, Carol
Dillard Avatar
November 5, 2011 at 11:04 PM
Amen on the not boring! Always something! Tonight it was an earthquake. Oklahoma's trying to fall of the map and take Texas with it! First time we've ever shook like that. It was good to read your work as you are one of my favorites. School has been busy and I'm still trying to get the last cutting of hay....old equipment is the pits! I'll be reading you! RAY
A   Avatar
November 5, 2011 at 10:19 PM
HELLO CARRIE AGAIN ;-) CONGRATULATIONS, thank you for supporting my contest... I'm just dropping by to give everyone a warm congratulations and gratitude from the heart. ((you may get this comment more than once, if you entered more than one of my contest this week)) Have a wonderful weekend, GOD BLESS,..p.d.
Sweetheart Avatar
November 5, 2011 at 5:43 PM
Congrats Carrie on a wonderful win with this outstanding holiday poetry luv..
Taylor Avatar
November 5, 2011 at 8:53 AM
Congrats, Carrie. Quite an experiance. Great write. Nice going. Best to you and yours. luv Ralph
Green Avatar
May 11, 2010 at 8:24 PM
This one was AWESOME! Loved it! Funny as all get out! Thanks for the entry in my contest!
Dietrich Avatar
May 11, 2010 at 2:01 PM
GREAT story, Carrie!! It's always fun to use that famous "Twas the night" line! Congratulations on your fine win. LUv, andrea
Belt Avatar
May 11, 2010 at 7:15 AM
Congrats on your win Carrie....Great story....And thank you for your comments on "The man in the window"....Yes it's a true story many people experienced the same thing and the house is empty but still standing.......Larry
Sweetheart Avatar
May 11, 2010 at 5:27 AM
Congrats Carrie on your winning poem in Amy's contest with this great account of a strange happening for the contest... enjoy another glorious win ..luv.. Linda-Marie..
Foster Avatar
May 11, 2010 at 2:58 AM
Lots of smiles here Carrie, and quite believable, just the sort of weird thing that can happen. bet your neighbour was pleased he had such good friends...well done...Margaret
George   Avatar
December 21, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Oh! Carrie - this was just too good. I am still chuckling. Thank you for making my day. Warmest wishes to you and yours. Lainie
Ingle Avatar
December 21, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Now I really like that one,,,I'm still laughing...lol....Was Bessie any kin to ol' Elsie..They had to have been either sisters or cousins....lol...I love the funny ones sometimes moreso than the serious ones..I can't wait until they put up the new e-mail? Have any idea when that is? I believe I'll join this place soon. This is so much fun..Sounds like you are a cowgirl at heart with all those cowboys in your family tree..Love the X-Mas poem...L. in Lou.Ky.
Thomas Avatar
December 21, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Good grief! What an amazing story! The image of the poor cow in the pool is heartbreaking and hysterical at the same time. Poor Bessie! Thank you again so much for your comments on my poem "Lament of the Philosopher's Hound". I can't thank you enough for all your kind words and your support. Have a wonderful, merry, fun-filled holiday, and tell Old Bessie not to go swimming again this New Years! ~Juliane
Austin Avatar
December 21, 2008 at 4:50 AM
Great story, Carrie. Depending on where you live, that must have been one cold cow. Next morning, whataya know, frozen custard. Love, daver
Mac Donald Avatar
December 20, 2008 at 6:37 PM
Clever and so very cute, Carrie! Poor, but lucky Bessie..I seriously doubt she had enjoyed any of her adventure!:) Cows are funny, they just do, and don't seem to give much thought to their doings. However, she had had more than just a few moments of reflection...hehe Not funny, really, but still hilarious! Truly a well written, it pulls the reader into the story. God bless you and yours, Carrie...wishing you the best! Merry Christmas! Love, Mikki
Higgins Avatar
December 20, 2008 at 9:48 AM
This is wonderful Carrie. That must have been a sight. I don't if that convinced me that country life isn't boring because I have moved to the country for the last three years and I am still getting use to the horses on the street, cows in the fields and the old barns that lingers around even if they are no longer functional. I look forward to a cow going into a pool maybe that would adjust my mood..lol..you are a delight and a terrific writer my poetry friend. Love, Chris.
Winter Avatar
December 20, 2008 at 5:37 AM
Dear Carrie, a priceless memory and so uniquely penned! What I would give to be a country girl. Maybe soon, we are looking. Happy holidays and thanks for the smile! Love, Shar
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