‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all down the street

A few creatures were stirring, just Rowley on the beat;

Christmas decs were hung on the light poles with care,

In hopes that the GFIs would not trip there.

Our dogs were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of bully-sticks danced in their heads;

And dad in his union, and I my favorite T

Had just settled our brains to watch Jeopardy,

When out of nowhere there arose such a roar,

I sprang from my bed and threw open the door.

Away to the window to take another look,

The house shivered and rumbled, it even shook.

The moon on the snow showed reflections of flames,

We hadn’t cleaned the chimney, we were to blame.

Then what to my wondering eyes did appear,

But a group of 8 not so tiny fire department volunteers!

The firetruck driver was so friendly and tall,

I knew in a moment he must be Chief Paul.

More rapid than eagles his orders they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

“Now, Domonyk! now, Mike! now Donald and Jim,

On, Zoie on, Emma! on, Thomas and Tim,

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Let’s put out that fire, let’s get it all!”

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little boot

As I drew in my head and was turning around,

Through the door, they came in with a bound.

Dressed in reflective gear, from head to foot,

Their clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

Smoke detectors they all held in their hand,

“You know if you call us, we will install these on demand.”

Then more sirens the closer they drew,

I couldn’t believe, it was the ambulance crew!

They jumped from the vehicle having no fear,

All was under control, nothing to see here.

A radio call went over the airwave,

The voice on the radio it was Tim Wade;

“Returning to station, without a patient.”

Then….

They all sprang to their vehicles, to their teams gave a whistle,

And away they all left like the down of a thistle.

But I heard them exclaim, as they drove out of sight

“We are here when you need us but, remember to obey the law, clean your chimney, check your smoke detector, and be safe …and all will be right.”

And …

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Thanks to all our first responders and wishing them and the West End a safe and quiet Christmas!

Christi Baron, Editor