‘Twas the Night Before Christmas… St. John 2017

‘Twas the night before Christmas on the island of St. John,
The people were all smiles, that’ll never be gone.
A big thanks to Kenny for loving this place,
And to the people for getting by with such strength and such grace.
The BBC linemen worked hard day and night,
To make sure we all had happiness and light.
And Bloomberg and his team, and Tom S. and his wife,
Worked tirelessly to bring St. John back to life.
Now out on the beach there arose such a clatter,
I ran from Dog House to see what was the matter.
Down to the ferry dock, I flew like a flash.
Thanked Love City Strong before hearing a splash.
The moon on the bay and the twinkling lights,
There’s something in the sky, but I’m more excited about lights!
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.
With a tanned little driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment, he must be St. Nick.
He thanked the relief workers, they deserve so much fame,
And he whistled, and shouted, calling each reindeer by name:
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blixen!
To Coral Bay we must fly! They’re a strong little bunch!
A hundred days without power, they deserve a rum punch!
As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
Let’s hope no more happen, let’s pray for clear skies.
Then out to the East End, the coursers they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the palm tree St. Nicholas came with a bound!
He was dressed in flip flops, Bushwacker in hand,
And looked so happy to’ve ditched snow for the sand.
The island is open, come visit, come soon!
The beaches are gorgeous; you can drink before noon!
Now back to St. Nick, he’s so cute and so merry,
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His skin was so tan, from his head to his toes,
He just looked so happy to be out of the snow!
He grabbed his trunks and downed another cold drink,
Took a dip in the pool and gave me a wink.
He had a broad face and a cute little belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
We took a quick selfie and he hopped out of the pool,
Who would have thought that this guy was so cool!
The fun had to end, time to get back to work,
So he filled the stockings, and turned with a jerk.
But before leaving the island, he had one thing to say,
You should be proud of yourselves, all class, all the way.
And then giving a nod, up the palm tree he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, as he flew toward the Bight—
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”