A Poetry Friday special: an original poem

(Flu) Season's Greetings
with apologies to Clement C. Moore
by C. Fiddler

'Twas ten days before Christmas when it was made clear
that, again, things would not be easy this year.
A nasty bug on my stomach assaulted,
and holiday preparations suddenly halted.

No cookies were baked, no presents were wrapped;
plans for a tea party had to be scrapped.
Musical soirées were quickly postponed;
crafting and blogging were now left alone.

But children were healthy, and helpful, oh, yes!
Perhaps they were thinking they had to impress
the man in the red suit--you know the guy:
that magical being that makes reindeer fly.

Whatever their motives, these children were aces
at getting themselves in their mother's good graces.
They helped one another, without much complaint,
and with the washer themselves did acquaint.

Then the day came I could rise without fear,
and hug all my children with thanks most sincere.
Baking and wrapping and crafting ensue
with this, my most lovable crew.

Since now we are busy with holiday joy,
one last simple rhyme we fast will employ--
to our friends far and near we articulate,
"May your holidays be cheery, and your new year be great!"

Poetry Friday is being hosted today by Author Amok. Be sure to check out the posts there and also head on over to my other blog, A Habit of Reading, for a solstice poem by Susan Cooper.