Twas the night before Christmas and all through the shop
Not a woodworker was stirring, all the projects were stopped
The chisels were laid by the wet-stones with care
In hopes that the Elves would come sharpen them there
The tools were all nestled and snug where they lay
Poised and ready to woodwork the next day
Then up in the wood loft there came such a clatter
The old building shook from the weight of the matter
And there on the creaky tin roof did appear
A fine handmade sled drawn by ten dusty deer
With a sparkling eyed helmsman as spry as a lamb
Who went by the name of Saint Woodworkerman
He was dressed all in flannel, cap to his shoe
His clothes were all covered in sawdust and glue
A bundle of tools he had stashed in his sack
With a dovetail jig sticking out of the back
On his face he wore goggles and a dusk mask fit tightly
His cheeks were like Pink Ivory and his hearing dulled slightly
His skills were the the sharpest and best in the lands
And he still had five fingers on each of his hands
Then as quick as sharp back saw, his staunch helpers came.
He yelled and hollered and called them by name
Now Router, now Chisel, now Clamp and Bit-brace
On Shaper, on Scroll-saw, on Jointer and Lathe
All hustled to the workbench and snapped to his call
Now get to work, get to work, get to work all
So they wasted not a board, and got right to the task
And sawed, planed, carved and scraped, 'till at last
All the toys that the children were waiting to see
Were varnished and wrapped, and made from a tree
There were cars made of Mahogany, dolls made of Yew
And a Curly Maple rocking horse with it's tail painted blue
A set of Cherry soldiers all carved from one log
And splendid wood balls for the cat and the shop dog
Then the kindly crew tidied and swept every crack
And Saint Woodworkerman thanked them and stretched out his back
Then he jumped in his sleigh and let out a huge yell
As they roared from the shop at the ring of a bell
But these words he exclaimed as they vanished from sight
Merry Christmas to all... that's enough for one night
Anon
.......................................
Happy Holidays to all!
Gary & Amy & Casey (with Merlin always in our hearts)
