(Working title: Stuck at an airport on Christmas Eve with nothing to do.)
‘Twas the night before Christmas
And Mark’s flight was late
Already a long day,
It was scheduled for eight.
We climbed in the Rav
Which was packed up with care
In hopes that the snow
Wouldn’t keep us from there.
The flakes were falling
And covered the trees
The setting was perfect
For sleds and for skis.
And Mom in her sweater
And Dad in his cap
I settled down in the backseat
For a two-hour nap.
When down in my tummy
Arose such a clatter,
My dad turned around
And asked what was the matter?
My stomach, I said,
And gave it a rub
Ok, said my dad,
Let’s stop for some grub.
When what, to our wondering eyes should appear
But a black SUV, with no lights in the rear!
My dad’s a good driver
So lively and quick
He avoided a crash,
Even though it was slick.
He whistled and honked and called them a name
Turn on your lights! Watch where you’re going! We could have been killed!
Imagine if that had happened
Before our tummies were filled!
At that very moment
We looked to the sky
And noticed the snow
Had now passed us by.
So up to the truck stop
To Wendy’s we went
In true Steward fashion,
Eight dollars we spent.
Back on the road
We flew down the interstate
To meet Mark at the airport,
We couldn’t be late.
And then, in an instant
We saw KCI.
We parked for twelve dollars
And went on inside.
Not a vendor was open
Though the terminal we scoured
So we found a big lounge
And sat for two hours.
We waited and waited
And waited some more
When suddenly he appeared –
We were at the wrong door!
He was dressed in all blue
In a sweater and jeans
We raced down to greet him
Oh what a scene!
A bundle of clothes
He had slung on his back
His suitcase he rolled
We wouldn’t need the luggage rack.
His eyes, how they twinkled,
His dimples so merry!
His cheeks were like roses,
His nose like a cherry!
He was cheerful and smiling
A right jolly young elf
I laughed when I saw him
In spite of myself.
With one sweep of his arm
He hugged me so cozy
The rest of the passengers
Looked at us, nosy.
We sprang to the car
To Jeff City
We didn’t make it home by
Though steadfastly we tried.
Per family tradition
We each opened one gift
An ornament for me, coffee beans for him
‘Tis the season, our spirits did lift.
Our family together
An occasion so dear
But wait just a second
Doug is not here!
Our eyelids so heavy
The night was still creeping
We’ll call him in the morning
He’s probably sleeping.
We pulled in my driveway
And they drove out of sight
Merry Christmas to all
And to all a good night!
