A Christmas Poem

'Twas a Few Weeks Before Christmas

By Mandy

*Inspired by 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

- - - - -

'Twas a few weeks before Christmas and all through the South Pacific Seas,

Everything was sweaty, even the backs of my knees.

Chimneys were just silly for the heat was too much,

the air was so thick and drinking lots of water was clutch.

My hair in a ponytail - too steamy for a cap,

It was noon, so not time for a "long winter's nap".

When out on the hala (road) arose such a clatter,

I slowly stood up to see what was the matter.

Excited at the prospect of Santa, I opened the door,

It wasn't Kris K., but 4 roosters on the dirt floor.

  

Along with the birds were three very large pigs,

Oinking and sniffing and looking for things.

I gave them some leftovers and walked back to my seat,

daydreaming about seeing the big red guy - who, as a kid, I was quite afraid to meet.

"Mandy-eh!" could be heard outside on the road,

I looked up and out the window to see my neighbor carrying a very large load.

Lu made with beef and coconut milk then baked in the ground,

With her daughter behind her, but not making a sound.

"Malo aupito - Thank you very much!"

She nodded and smiled adding the perfect touch -

A pie full of custard and many root crops to eat,

We chatted, I thanked her and went inside with my meat.

Gazing at my 6-inch Christmas tree and its fake sprayed-on snow,

Gave the illusion that the mini ornaments were very much aglow.

Forget the snowmen, sleigh bells and Balsam fir tree,

But turquoise water, pineapples and coconuts this year there will be.

  

No Christmas light viewing, no plays by Mr. Dickens,

it'll just be me, this mini tree and a bunch of silly chickens.

  

At least I have a plethora of Christmas cinema magic,

Watching George Bailey, Kevin McCalister, Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchet.

There's so much to learn from three men, a boy and their yuletide tales,

Lots more than what can fill up two bucket bath pails.

Let's start with George B. who at first didn't believe in his power,

but his mind was changed by an angel, some visions and one money shower.

By the end G. Bailey knew the importance of friends, family and being grateful for your lot,

This information would save him and provide wings - which Clarence got.



Kevin wasn't with his family during much of the Christmas season,

Yet he still had fun - it involved booby-trapping his house for a very good reason.

He made the best out of his situation, even without his people,

He also made time to shop for some milk, cook mac 'n cheese and visit a steeple.

Bob Cratchet kept a positive attitude even though he worked with a jerk,

Scrooge gifted him a half a lump of coal which was suppose to be a perk.

  

After Ebenezer was given the message from 3 ghosts - including a cute one with a beard,

These spirits then taught him a lesson which he initially feared:

It's not good to be greedy or a crotchety old man,

to spread love and joy is a much better plan.

  

There are others too - like Rudolph, The Grinch and Buddy the Elf,

who each teach us something that we should internalize ourselves.

So even though Mr. Claus might skip over me this year,

the bigger message in Christmas is really quite clear:

It isn't about presents, ornaments or hot cocoa,

Not candy canes or "So This is Christmas"- you know, that one song by Yoko Ono.

Dr. Seuss said it perfectly when he wrote it down in a book,

You may have forgotten so let's take a quick look:

"He puzzled and puzzed till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.

Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store.

Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!"

This year I'll miss my family, my dog and my friends,

But just because I'm gone doesn't mean that the Christmas spirit will end.

I'll spread it throughout Tonga including the chickens, pigs and horses,

Who will cluck, oink and neigh as they sing the "Jingle Bells" chorus.

On December 25th, I won't be in Wisconsin or near the Rocky Mountain peaks,

But I will be celebrating, spreading yuletide cheer with my rosey cheeks.

My face won't be red because of the nip in the air,

It'll be because it is sunburnt, for I forgot the proper skin care.

But as I skip through my village and the crimson fades out of sight,

I'll be singing "Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!"

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Sources: //Elf//It's a Wonderful Life//Home Alone//Christmas Carol//