Because writing time has been at a premium lately, I’m posting a recently written poem. As we here in the Midwest impatiently wait for spring, the gathering of eagles near open water and the flight of swans makes things bearable and gives us hope.
Inspired by Jane Yolen's a-poem-a-day writing discipline and butt-in-chair mantra, I'm loosely attempting my own a-few-poems-a-week regimen. These are lightly edited or perhaps not edited at all with the date included to keep me honest. By the way, if you don't know who Jane Yolen is you should. Her writing is delightful. Go find her. Read her stuff.
What follows is a fun, little rendition of Clement Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. It’s also my latest writing challenge for Susanna Leonard Hill’s Holiday Helper story contest. If you have any interest in writing for children (or just want to read a fun blog), hop on over to Susanna’s blog. Many thanks also go to the judges and wonderful prize contributors in this contest. And to any co-contestants: best of luck! I’ve already read so many good entries! Aren’t these contests great? Now on to the story!
Photo credit: Annie Platt on Unsplash
Noteven the Mouse (216 words)
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
the humans were sleeping, but Noteven, the mouse,
was just winding up for a night on the town.
The cookies were out!
There were crumbs all around!
When what to his wondering ears should he hear?
A clumping!
A thumping!
A ker-flumping–
“Oh dear!”
Away to the chimney, he dashed to the flue.
Noteven, the mouse, was wondering, “Who–
is there in the chimney and blocking the way
of Santa’s arrival with gifts the next day!”
To the top of the hearth–
to the top of the log–
Noteven the mouse skipped a jiggety-jog.
He peered up the chimney and to his surprise–
peering back down were two dark, twinkling eyes!
“I’m stuck!” whispered Santa. “My jacket is caught!
I’m hooked on a nail, and I’m in a tight spot!”
Noteven the mouse, well, he went straight to work.
He nibbled. . .
He gnawed. . .
And then with a JERK–
“Oh! Ho, ho, ho–hoooo!”
Santa bellowed with glee
and tumbled right out to land under the tree.
Noteven the mouse scampered straight to his side,
but the jolly, old elf grinned a smile big and wide.