12/02/2018
DECEMBER 2018 POEM OF THE MONTH
'TIS THE SEASON
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!
‘TIS THE SEASON
Well, Old Man Winter’s here again; back to receive his dues.
No use to wish it wasn’t so ‘cause I’ve no right to choose.
If I’ve decided out here in the midwest was my place,
I’d better toughen up or turn and leave here in disgrace.
Old winter’s here to separate the men folk from the boys.
Makes all their stories credible; not just a bunch of noise.
The corn is out; the fence is up; the cows are out on stalks.
The hay is piled up in the mow; the kraut is in the crocks.
There’s apples in the cellar; turnips, beets, and taters, too,
It seems to me the work’s all done; don’t it seem that way to you?
I’ve drained the hoses, drained the tanks, and checked my antifreeze;
I’ve cleaned the garden, mulched the bushes; even trimmed the trees.
I’ve worked and sweat all summer long; I think I did my best.
I kinda think since winter’s here I’ll get a little rest.
I’m sitting here all warm as toast beside the crackling fire;
Thinkin’ just how nice it is to do as I desire.
I hear the wind a’whistlin’, but it doesn’t bother me;
My Missus in the kitchen just as happy as can be,
Has got the oven heatin’ up all set to do some bakin’.
It smells to me like apple pie. I’m sure I’m not mistaken.
The wind a’whirlin’, fallin’ leaves, as through the air they fly.
That crisp, cold sting upon my face; it really gets me high.
My horse’s breath like puffs of smoke; his feet a’crunchin’ snow.
His mane and tail a’flyin’; he really wants to go.
It’s so exhilaratin’ that I just can’t help but say,
“If I felt the least bit better, I’d have a run away.”
So now it’s after supper; think I’ll take a little nap.
Before I do I think I’ll go and check the weather map.
Good gracious sakes a’livin’ lets be up and gettin’ gone.
Let’s batten down the hatches; there’s a blizzard comin’on!
Like as not that early calvin’ cow will go tonight.
I saw her there at five o’clock and thought then that she might.
I hope she finds a place to put him down where he don’t freeze;
Like down there in that pocket on the south side of the trees.
She’s always calvin’ in a storm. I should have sold her years ago.
Is my memory all that short, or do I just learn slow?
Just last year I had to go and get ‘em some place warm.
Like to froze my tail off gettin’ that old rip down to the barn.
That old early calvin’ cow; her baby always tips the scale.
The buyers like him even if he has no ears or tail.
Well, there she is and sure enough, he’s here and he’s alright.
Looks like, for once, she’s found a decent place to spend the night.
I promise you this time next year she won’t still be around.
Directly after weanin’ that old gal is goin’ to town.
We send our warmest greetings, though the air may send a chill.
The day is cold and stormy but to you be peace, good will.
As you celebrate His birthday, may you all be full of cheer
And have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Brand New Year.
1/07/2008 WRITTEN BY BILL POTTER
