Christmas Around the Globe
'Twas on a clear December's eve, a chill was in the air,
The townsfolk gathered at the church, to join in Christmas cheer;
They raised their voice in hymns of old, to serenade the night …
The warmth that flowed within the walls, was such a lovely sight.
The men in proper dress attire, bow ties and Sunday suits,
Gollashes left in disarray, upon the churches' stoop;
The women, ankle length in gown, with pinafores and lace,
While Christmas bonnets graced their heads, to frame each happy face.
The children grinned and fidgeted, as always children will,
The little boys in starched, white shirts … the little girls in frills;
All sang into the joyous night, to praise the coming dawn,
A harmony of voice and heart, grew forth in vibrant song.
Outside the stained glass windows, lay a winter wonderland,
Where not a single footprint marred the snow in reprimand;
The blanket glowed in crystal flakes, in tribute to the night,
To charm this tiny village scene, in peaceful, calm respite.
Alas, the tranquil setting turned, within the tiny church,
The congregation held their ground … while floors began to lurch!
Repeatedly, the floorboards heaved - commotion quickly grew ...
Gollashes soared about their heads, while books and bonnets flew!
The elders held on to the pews, each mother to their child,
The fathers grabbed their wives in tow, through chaos swift and wild!
The church turned topsy-turvy, folks were flying upside down …
Then suddenly, the earthquake stopped ..… and silence filled the town.
The people dusted off their clothes, and heaved a heavy sigh,
Another quake, just like the last … although they knew not why;
They gathered at the windows, and they viewed the raging storm,
The snow was gusting fiercely, while they watched the scene transform.
As quickly as the squall had come, it hastily decreased,
The snowflakes lingered lazily, until they slowly ceased;
It drifted off, the people cheered, and found their place once more,
They raised their voices higher than they ever had before.
~*~
Outside, a little child looked down, with wonder in her eyes …
She shook the snow globe once again … to watch the snowflakes rise.