Vernonia's voice., December 13, 2011, Page 26, Image 26

26
in other words
december13
2011
By Lynn Berry
This month, the poem is an oldie but such a classic, if
not “the” traditional American holiday poem. Enjoy re-
reading this poem, looking for details previously unnoticed.
Commonly recognized to be written by Clement Clarke
Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
Moore and originally titled “A Visit From St.
Nicholas,” the poem, “T’was the Night before
Christmas” was first published December
23, 1823 in the Sentinel, a New York
newspaper. The poem is known to have been
responsible for influencing the creation of the
“Americanized” or the modern version of
the Santa Claus most have come to know.
Imagine that? A poem that influences culture
as we know it---it wouldn’t have been the first
and won’t be the last time that poetry and
art has shaped culture. Keep writing, keep
creating, and keep changing the world.
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 chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney 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, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
---Writer’s Idea: Write a poem, take a chance, and share your art by sending
your poem to the Inkwell. We are always looking for submissions.
333 Vernonia, OR 97064. Please include your name and contact information.
Write—Express--Expand.
---Writer’s Tip: Be conscious of the unique textures, scents, tastes, and brilliance
this holiday provides. Use these sensory details in your poems.
Lynn Berry holds an M.A. in English, specializing in feminist literature and literary
criticism. She has spent several years teaching Literature, Composition, Poetry, Creative
Writing, and Critical Thinking at various school districts and colleges, and occasionally
provides writing workshops.
---Please send your original submissions to, (or if you would like a copy of any
of the published poems) InkwellVernonia@gmail.com or by mail: PO Box
Wishing you a Merry Christmas
Wishing you a
Happy Holiday!
from
STORAGE, TOO
from the Vernonia Dental Team
622 Bridge Street
58605 Nehalem Hwy S.
PO Box 292
503-429-7867