‘Twas a Run Before Christmas

In the style of Clement Clarke Moore

 ‘Twas a run before Christmas, and all over town,
Not a sidewalk was shoveled, I feared falling down;
The roads were all covered with salt laden slush,
Navigation would be slow, I knew I couldn’t rush.
 
Darkness was looming, ‘though it was just after four,
I laced my Sauconys and hurried out the door;
I adjusted my headband and pulled on my gloves,
There wasn’t an accessory I hadn’t thought of.
 
The driveway was covered with fresh fallen snow,
The onset of twilight cast a wintery glow;
I gazed at the heavens, took a breath of fresh air,
Smiled to myself, and said a quick prayer.
 
Hastening out to the street, prepared for my run,
In just over an hour, I knew I’d be done;
Large flakes of snow drifted down from the sky,
I stuck out my tongue, but got hit in the eye.
 
I started out slowly, not wanting to fall,
As one careless step would conclude in a sprawl;
I was grateful to locate a track on the street,
To provide a reliable path for my feet.
 
Several blocks later, I settled into my pace,
I began to relax, I sensed no need to race;
My mind started to wander, I felt quite content,
Reflecting upon the true meaning of Advent.
 
Rounding a corner, I jogged past a school,  
Decorations gave hint to the upcoming Yule;
Snowflakes and reindeer, Santa in his sleigh,
Snowmen and snow forts–signs of children at play.
 
I turned to the east, headed down toward the lake,
Enamored by the beauty of every snowflake;
Gazing over the water, I noticed a light,
Providing a beacon in the darkness of night.
 
Enveloped in silence, I heard not a sound,
‘cept the squeak of the snow, as my shoes met the ground;
The tranquil surroundings filled my body with peace,
Affording my mind a much needed release.
 
Multi-colored lights adorned bushes and trees,
While white sparkling icicles hung from the eaves;
An excessive display overwhelmed a front yard,
The gaudiness of which I could not disregard.
 
Snowmen in snow globes, Mickey and Minnie mouse,
Penguins in stocking hats, Snoopy atop his house;
A “heavenly” choir singing “O Holy Night”,
Monstrous canes of candy, striped in red and white.
 
I entered a park with less than a mile to go,
The majestic old oaks were laden with snow;
Darkness engulfed me, but my fears did allay,
Moonbeams parted the clouds, and guided my way.
 
‘Twas then I saw it, out the corner of my eye,
The meaning of Christmas, this object did imply;
Nestled away in the far corner of a yard,
Was a symbol I held in the highest regard.
 
A stable, a manger, surrounded by hay,
And in that rustic manger, a sweet baby lay;
A bright twinkling star shone from Heaven above,
Reminding us all that Christmas is love.