Holiday Café Gnomes
I stepped out this morning to find
Small footprints indenting the snow
At first I thought to ignore them
Because I had places to go
I decided to follow the pathway
I had a good hour to kill
My work would surely just bore me
So I tapped into my sturdy will
I followed the tracks strewn before me
Made by a dog I was sure
I thought I might at least feed him
Buy some milk, if it started to purr
The path led me to Washington Square
To the chilly and ice-covered fountain
On the ledge, a fuzzy Gnome shouted
Poet! It’s you I can count on!
I checked my pulse and got a bit dizzy
I suddenly turned straight away
The invoices need some reviewing
There are certainly bills I should pay
You chose a different direction
The other you know, oh so well
Develop your city complexion
Trust in your senses and smell
I asked him, “what is the matter?
You’ve got my attention I guess
You’re obviously not from my village
And it’s a little cold to play chess.”
My problem is...very few see me
Unless in the window I stand
I refuse to work at the Macy’s
An occupation I find a bit bland.
I gathered his plight and dilemma
For gnomes need magic to thrive
I decided to give him attention
At my favorite coffee-shop dive
"Please join me at the near café
And have a coffee and cream
We'll douse it in peppermint syrup
At desperate shoppers we’ll scream!”
“We’ll eat biscuits and wonderful candy
And meet up with curious elves
We’ll play with the coffee-shop fairies
In the teapots that shine on the shelves.”
“Let’s play checkers and tell a few stories
Of the realms where you’re happy and free
We’ll write poems and read the free papers
And sing at the holiday tree”
Gnome applauded and showed his affection
Now, you’re a jolly old soul!
I sensed that you were a seer
And your spirit I'd surely enroll.
We strolled around the near corner
To find our cozy, warm table
To my surprise and amazement
Sat gnomes that were willing and able!
Gnome tugged his long beard as he winked
I hope you don’t mind this intrusion
I invited some gnome friends to join us
Who were feeling my kind of exclusion
Such spirited, vibrant companions
My yuletide started to cheer
The little folk bring such enchantment
To the magical, holiday sphere
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2010
Small footprints indenting the snow
At first I thought to ignore them
Because I had places to go
I decided to follow the pathway
I had a good hour to kill
My work would surely just bore me
So I tapped into my sturdy will
I followed the tracks strewn before me
Made by a dog I was sure
I thought I might at least feed him
Buy some milk, if it started to purr
The path led me to Washington Square
To the chilly and ice-covered fountain
On the ledge, a fuzzy Gnome shouted
Poet! It’s you I can count on!
I checked my pulse and got a bit dizzy
I suddenly turned straight away
The invoices need some reviewing
There are certainly bills I should pay
You chose a different direction
The other you know, oh so well
Develop your city complexion
Trust in your senses and smell
I asked him, “what is the matter?
You’ve got my attention I guess
You’re obviously not from my village
And it’s a little cold to play chess.”
My problem is...very few see me
Unless in the window I stand
I refuse to work at the Macy’s
An occupation I find a bit bland.
I gathered his plight and dilemma
For gnomes need magic to thrive
I decided to give him attention
At my favorite coffee-shop dive
"Please join me at the near café
And have a coffee and cream
We'll douse it in peppermint syrup
At desperate shoppers we’ll scream!”
“We’ll eat biscuits and wonderful candy
And meet up with curious elves
We’ll play with the coffee-shop fairies
In the teapots that shine on the shelves.”
“Let’s play checkers and tell a few stories
Of the realms where you’re happy and free
We’ll write poems and read the free papers
And sing at the holiday tree”
Gnome applauded and showed his affection
Now, you’re a jolly old soul!
I sensed that you were a seer
And your spirit I'd surely enroll.
We strolled around the near corner
To find our cozy, warm table
To my surprise and amazement
Sat gnomes that were willing and able!
Gnome tugged his long beard as he winked
I hope you don’t mind this intrusion
I invited some gnome friends to join us
Who were feeling my kind of exclusion
Such spirited, vibrant companions
My yuletide started to cheer
The little folk bring such enchantment
To the magical, holiday sphere
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2010