A Toast To Tunnel Christmas

  A Toast To Tunnel Christmas

Mary's cookies and William's pies

All resting on the shelf.

And pastry that was shaped by hand

And shaped just like an elf.

The stolen in the cupboard dear,

All wrapped in powdered white.

And rum punch that sparkled in the cellar,

Enough to last all night.

There was a roast, quite large in fact,

That rested in the tray

Kept safe behind the oven doors,

Lest someone steal it all away.

The cranberries were bubbling in a smallish pot,

all sour, sweet, and red.

And on the great stone kitchen table,

William made the bread.

Someone brought green beans along,

Though William hadn't asked.

The helpers tried to contribute too,

In spite of all their other tasks.

So he took it from them with a smile,

in the name of Christmas cheer,

And returned to making the feast of dreams.

As if it the day just wasn't near.

But time was running out, he found,

as he slowly filled the larder.

Each addition rested behind locked doors,

Only there because of Arthur.

The last of the dusting of sugar,

And the rolling of flour and fat.

With a flourish it all got taken below,

He was done and that was that

.

Grace was said as hands were held,

And Fathers voice rose in praise

Of all the blessings they had received,

in the midst of trying days.

Gathered round the circle so small,

was full of smiling and cheerful face

They each had families, yes, they did,

But they'd rather attend this place.

With doors thrown open to the outsider

Who brought their candle in.

Lighting it with all of the others,

becoming the Tunnel's friend

.

Each year, true, is hard in its way.

Some are simply madness.

Others heartbreaking, lonely, stressed,

All have some joy or gladness.

Praise for the food was said by all,

the children sang and laughed.

Everywhere lights danced inside the room

As each dessert was passed.

Then Father stood once more, again,

His proud face looking 'round.

Grateful for each member and helper,

And the peace they all had found

.

They raise a toast, in the Great Hall

Held high sparkling glasses of cheer.

To each may Winter treat you kind and be well,

And to each of them all, a New Year.

Merry Christmas to the tunnels and the helpers keeping the dream alive. You are all gems and I consider you my friends.

Peace to you and yours!

-JessicaRae