Twas the night before...

Several years ago one of the many Canadian geese that live at CTS emerged with a broken wing. We were all wondering what would happen when winter came. Some dreamed of cooking the goose, others wondered if it would perish in the cold. Neither happened and he continues to roam the grounds. However, what emerged from that time was a "retelling" of the class Christmas Story. To celebrate the eve of the essay submission deadline, I give you "Twas the Night Before Essays." Enjoy!

Twas the night before essays, and all through the dorm. 

Every student was studying, and feeling very worn.
The suitcases were packed, and set by the door, 

in hopes to fly home to study a bit more.

Most professors were nestled all snug in their beds, 

while visions of high marks danced in their heads.
The others sat wondering, “are my essays alright? 

It seems the rewording made it ‘theology light’.”

When out on the pond, there arouse such a clatter; 

Tina sprang from her bed to see what was the matter. 

Away to the window, she flew like a Spartan, 

tore down the wreath and threw up curtain.

When what to all our surprise did appear, 

but a flock of wild geese, with snowsuits and gear.
And a small electric heater, so small and compact, 

we knew in a moment, this was bird saving tactic.

More rapid than eagles in flapping they came, 

and whistling and shouting a flock of geese names
“Hey, Momma, Hey Poppa, Hey sister one, two and three…
Hey, brother number 4, and numbers 5 through 13.

To the top of the chateau, to the top of the wall, 

Let’s make lots of noise and wake them up all.

You’ve kept our poor brother; he’s turned into a duck
We’re here to save him, before he’s run out of luck
And placed on a plate by Frank in the kitchen
We know what some of you missionaries are wishin’.
To eat our poor sibling and stuff him with dressing
And then you’ll ask Joseph to please ask the blessing.
What a shame, what a tragedy – it’s sad don’t you know.
What if he freezes before you catch him in the coming Belgian snow?
Then what would you do, and what would you say
“That poor old goosey, with the wing in a bad way, we couldn’t catch him, 

and he couldn’t stand the cold, he’s now in goose heaven, even before he’s so old.”

So with a big hefty push, the birds opened a window, 

and let brother goose unthaw on a nice synthetic pillow. 

They plugged in their heater, and turned it full blast, 

and to repair the broke wing, they set it in a cast.

They then prepared a net, to place brother goose, to fly him away, without his coming loose.And with the rustle of wings and the cries of the flock, they took off with the net, and circled the block.

But with one final fly-by, the geese came by the school
The net for brother goose, it looked kinda cool
With the heater cord trailing, and geese in formation
We knew this would be our last visitation.

It’s strange, this we know, but this story is true
Geese are caring, and loving, and a strong family crew.

And we heard them proclaim, as they flew out of sight,
Merry Christmas CTS, and to all a good night!