A Writer's Night Before Christmas

by Mary Higgins

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

not a writer was writing; oh where was the mouse?

Wreaths decorated the mantels with care

but the writing muse simply was not in the air

The words and sentences were not in my head

as I slid on my hose that lay on the bed.

And I in my bathrobe and pink shower cap

Got ready to party- no book on my lap.

I slipped off my robe and chose the red dress

curling iron in hand, to tame a lone tress.

In front of the mirror, there arose so much chatter

All the cookies I’d eaten had made me much fatter.

The belt would not buckle; the zipper was stuck

and I bulged in the middle. It was just my bad luck.

Away to the closet, I flew like a flash

for something to wear, I knew I must dash.

The light in my room on my jewelry case

gave a luster to pearls sitting there at the base

Pushing hangers with pants and stepping on shoes

I grabbed at my dresses in threes then in two’s

I tried on clothing that clung to my skin

too sexy, too primal; too loud or too prim.

Then onto the blouses and skirts that hung near

Wear that to a party? Wouldn’t everyone stare?

A green nylon dress still hung on the rack

It was too big, fitting just like a sack.

The blouse with the jacket fit nicely together

the shoes that matched it, had worn leather

It was onto the porch, I had to be quick

I rummaged through boxes of boots there to pick

Flat heels, chunk heels, stack heels, galore

Finally I found a pair near the door.

The dog started whining, she needed a walk

It was down to the bay and out onto the dock.

In the twinkling lights of the boat at the pier

was the man of my dreams - ever so near

With a smile on his face and a glint in his eye

he held my book manuscript and did not lie

“We wish to publish your book my dear

With advance of a million and nothing to fear.

He gave me a letter to confirm all he said

and told me he had to return to his sled

And his reindeer took over; he flew out of sight

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!