Monday, December 26, 2011

Santa of the Waters

© Margaret Toussaint 2011

 

A night before Christmas, I sank in my bed,
Too tired to sleep, and plum full of dread.
Our stockings were borrowed, our tree from the yard,
Presents we had none, times were too hard.

The kids knew the story, but still they believed
A miracle or two, an angel they conceived,
Would brighten their morning with gifts galore
But we had each other, though I wished it was more.

When a ruckus arose, a dozen dogs barking,
Had someone mistaken my lawn for free parking?
I tromped to the window full ready to blow
Gun by the bed, and bat by the do’.


The moon on high water, it sparkled and glistened,
Casting the marsh into high definition.
My eyes were a-blinking, the sight was so odd
Was that a Ryals, a Thomas, a Todd?

 A strange-looking trawler, a jolly round man,
With eight nimble helpers, all with deep tans.
I opened the door, my stomach full churning,
“Bubba, go home, you’ve made a wrong turning.”

My plea was ignored, an anchor plunked down,
Troubled, I grabbed my bat, and I frowned.
“No need for that stick,” said the old tar.
“We heard of your plight, we’ve come from afar.”

The voice was familiar, but who could he be,
An uncle, a cousin, a grand pappy?
Dressed in white boots, red cap and blue jeans,
He looked like a worker, not sparkly and clean.

His helpers they scurried and ran in my house.
“My kids!” I yelped, then felt like a louse,
For under the tree were presents a-plenty,
The stockings were plumped and smelling all minty.

I turned and saw clearly the man I’d called “Bubba”
Who glowed with good cheer. I lost it and blubbered,
“Thank you so much, my kids and I bless you.”
“We’re ever so grateful for all that you do.”

A smile creased his face, he nodded his head.
His helpers they beamed and turned quite red.
A laugh filled the air, one deep from the belly
Good cheer rolled along, a fish full of jelly.

“Your kids believed and that was enough,
To fill our ship with all this good stuff.”
I nodded and babbled, despite my intention
To hold it together, I just have to mention.

I’d heard of this gifter, he was no imposter,
This angler of note, this Santa of the Waters.
Master of shrimp and crab and fishes,
Best friend to children and their dear wishes.

He called to his helpers in a rich baritone,
Their names so familiar, a rosetta stone:
Come Mack and Howell, come Saul and Peter
On Henry and Darwin, on Billy and Hunter.

Snapping their fingers in Vic Waters style,
The tar and his buds, they danced a sea mile.
Diesels they rumbled, the nets how they swayed,
As they departed, they gave serenade.

“McIntosh County, a jewel so splendid,
A people so nice, highlander descended.
Your rivers are pure, your hearts are true,
Merry Christmas to y’all, a hearty wahoo.”

Maggie "Margaret" Toussaint
(as seen in the Dec. 22, 2011 issue of The Darien News)

7 comments:

  1. looooove it! So, this was in your paper. They'll enjoy it. Thanks for letting us read it, too.
    Today? We helped Undecorate the church--we're always in a hurry--so with that good deed done, I've played away the entire afternoon. And...the sun is shining today...first time in weeks.

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  2. How fun, Maggie! The 8 tanned helpers are sure a sight.. in my head, anyway. ;-)

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  3. So cute!!!. Sun is shining here in S. FL, and we were in the pool with the kids all day. Best gift for Christmas time.

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  4. How Maggie, how cute! Santa sails the seas. I love the opening verses.
    Thanks for sharing. You've inspired me. I just might have to do "It was the day after Christmas and through the house, you still couldn't find me and under all the wrapping paper and tree..."

    Smiles
    Steph

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  5. Thanks for the visit and the comments Celia, Mona, Loraine, and Steph!So nice to share this Christmas season with such good friends. Maggie

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  6. This Christmas is very interesting.....

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  7. Hi Ergo Infant Insert, Santa of the Waters is Santa Claus come to town on one of our shrimp boats. A little different, I know, but apt for coastal Georgia. Thanks for the visit! Maggie

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