A Christmas Visit
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 10:23 am
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the boat
Not an object was stirring, save the squeaky bilge float.
The stockings were hung on a clothesline to dry,
And hopes were in place for a clear morning sky.
The dog was asleep in a pile on the floor,
THE ADMIRAL had taken her covers and more.
I felt for a blanket, to cover my neck,
When a bump was heard – I think from on deck.
I rose from the bunk to see what was the matter,
Fell over the dog and went down with a clatter.
Regaining my footing, amid the damp socks,
I heard at the hatch boards a series of knocks.
There in the cockpit, looking quite out of place,
Was an elderly man with a beard on his face.
I saw alongside a folkboat quite Bristol,
The bright work all crisp, brass shone like a pistol.
“I hate to be rude, and intrude on your night,
“But I've a way yet to go and my rudder’s not right.
“I packed rather heavy when I started this trip,
“I’m afraid that my tools were left back at the slip."
His Aloha Shirt was the pattern of holly,
A red pair of trunks, and green Tevas, by golly.
I opened the locker, where all my tools mix
His top pintle was loose but a nice simple fix.
I offered him tea, bet he said he must go,
And that’s when I noticed a bone with a bow.
And there on the settee, two presents wrapped tight.
But when I looked back he’d cast off in the night.
And I heard him exclaim, ere he sailed out of sight.
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
And a Merry Christmas to all at Small Craft Advisor and the good forum folks here.
Charlie Pearsall
Not an object was stirring, save the squeaky bilge float.
The stockings were hung on a clothesline to dry,
And hopes were in place for a clear morning sky.
The dog was asleep in a pile on the floor,
THE ADMIRAL had taken her covers and more.
I felt for a blanket, to cover my neck,
When a bump was heard – I think from on deck.
I rose from the bunk to see what was the matter,
Fell over the dog and went down with a clatter.
Regaining my footing, amid the damp socks,
I heard at the hatch boards a series of knocks.
There in the cockpit, looking quite out of place,
Was an elderly man with a beard on his face.
I saw alongside a folkboat quite Bristol,
The bright work all crisp, brass shone like a pistol.
“I hate to be rude, and intrude on your night,
“But I've a way yet to go and my rudder’s not right.
“I packed rather heavy when I started this trip,
“I’m afraid that my tools were left back at the slip."
His Aloha Shirt was the pattern of holly,
A red pair of trunks, and green Tevas, by golly.
I opened the locker, where all my tools mix
His top pintle was loose but a nice simple fix.
I offered him tea, bet he said he must go,
And that’s when I noticed a bone with a bow.
And there on the settee, two presents wrapped tight.
But when I looked back he’d cast off in the night.
And I heard him exclaim, ere he sailed out of sight.
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
And a Merry Christmas to all at Small Craft Advisor and the good forum folks here.
Charlie Pearsall
