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Thread: A Christmas Story.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Peshtigo, WI (~50 miles N of Green Bay)
    Posts
    1,403

    A Christmas Story.

    Hi folks,
    I'm not sure if this is the second or third year that I have posted this poem to my friends on the Creek. I am old and forgetful so I don't remember when I wrote it.

    Whatever, if you are new to the Creek, I hope that you will get a bit of a smile from the content. What I REALLY need is SYMPATHY!!

    Anyway, enjoy:

    T’was a week before Christmas, and all through the shop,
    Not a motor was spinning, no breakers would pop!
    The scroll saw was silent, the lathe was not turning,
    The bandsaw and PM for power were yearning.

    I had tried for a LONG time to do it just right,
    But the presents I made were a pitiful sight.
    The tools were all GOOD ones and had done their best,
    It was MY skill that failed in the ultimate test.

    So, alas, when I searched way under the tree,
    Not a present was there, the problem was ME.
    There was NO time to try it all over again,
    I’ll face up to fact and live with the pain.

    I emptied the DC with tedious care,
    In hopes that a useable chip would be there.
    My scrapbox was bulging and right in the way,
    There was wood for the heater for many a day.

    My family and friends are usually quite good,
    I had wanted to make them some presents from wood.
    But the stuff that came out of my efforts was bad,
    There was NOTHING done right. It was really quite sad.

    Then out of the blue, on the roof was a clatter,
    I donned my Jet jacket to check out the matter.
    It was a funny round guy with a suit red and warm,
    And with him were elves, with tool belts like Norm.

    They entered my shop, and with no plans at all,
    They started each tool and were having a ball.
    The DC was choking with dust and with chips,
    Every cut was precise, absolutely no slips.

    Each clock that they made, was an object of art,
    Their skill was apparent, on each little part.
    The finish was added with a miracle brush,
    Three coats in an hour, there was no need to rush.

    The boxes for jewelry, they did with much care,
    They knew that a lady would savor their ware.
    Each tiny dovetail on each little drawer,
    Was fitted by hands that had done it before.

    The music that played when each ring drawer was out,
    Was planned for the lady, of that have no doubt.
    “Love Me Tender” for Jan, “Sound of Music” for Julie,
    Their choices were perfect. Of that I speak truly.

    The last one they made was for my daughter Stace,
    There was no question here, “Amazing Grace”.
    One finish was poly, the others were oiled,
    They were rubbed out by hands that were not even soiled.

    Even the reindeer got into the act,
    Now this was a team, and that is a fact.
    Each of the reindeer donated a hint,
    Of antler for pens with a marble-like glint.

    Enthused as I was, as I watched all that skill,
    I wanted to help, but was told to, “SIT STILL!”
    “We’ve got enough help, all the tools are in use”;
    At least that was Santa’s transparent excuse.

    With incredible swiftness and talent I saw,
    The elves make my dreams look like ones that I draw.
    In a matter of moments, Mr. Claus and his elves,
    Had made many memories, to fill many shelves.

    As the jolly old guy and his crew swept the floor,
    He handed me books and instructions galore.
    He didn’t exactly critique my intent,
    But kindly suggested my Forrest was bent.

    I noted a tear as they rose to the sky,
    No doubt from some sawdust that caught in my eye.
    And I heard the big guy, as he yelled to the rear,
    “Merry Christmas, keep tryin’, but I’ll be back next year!”

    “Well”, I said to myself as they sped to the Yule,
    “Question Santa Claus? NEVER! You cynical fool!”
    For those who may question this story the most,
    I’ve got proof in the scanner, if my picture will post.

    Attached Thumbnails

    __________________
    Attached Files Attached Files
    Last edited by Dale Thompson; 12-16-2005 at 10:11 AM. Reason: attachments
    I am so busy REMAKING my projects that I don't have time to make them the FIRST time!

  2. #2

    Thumbs up

    .... Dale, that was very nice. I enjoyed that immensely. I also can share your sentiment. If it's ok with you I would like to share your poem with some people I know .

    Thanks again for A Christmas Story.

    Boyd


    Quote Originally Posted by Dale Thompson
    Hi folks,
    I'm not sure if this is the second or third year that I have posted this poem to my friends on the Creek. I am old and forgetful so I don't remember when I wrote it.

    Whatever, if you are new to the Creek, I hope that you will get a bit of a smile from the content. What I REALLY need is SYMPATHY!!

    Anyway, enjoy:

    T’was a week before Christmas, and all through the shop,
    Not a motor was spinning, no breakers would pop!
    The scroll saw was silent, the lathe was not turning,
    The bandsaw and PM for power were yearning.

    I had tried for a LONG time to do it just right,
    But the presents I made were a pitiful sight.
    The tools were all GOOD ones and had done their best,
    It was MY skill that failed in the ultimate test.

    So, alas, when I searched way under the tree,
    Not a present was there, the problem was ME.
    There was NO time to try it all over again,
    I’ll face up to fact and live with the pain.

    I emptied the DC with tedious care,
    In hopes that a useable chip would be there.
    My scrapbox was bulging and right in the way,
    There was wood for the heater for many a day.

    My family and friends are usually quite good,
    I had wanted to make them some presents from wood.
    But the stuff that came out of my efforts was bad,
    There was NOTHING done right. It was really quite sad.

    Then out of the blue, on the roof was a clatter,
    I donned my Jet jacket to check out the matter.
    It was a funny round guy with a suit red and warm,
    And with him were elves, with tool belts like Norm.

    They entered my shop, and with no plans at all,
    They started each tool and were having a ball.
    The DC was choking with dust and with chips,
    Every cut was precise, absolutely no slips.

    Each clock that they made, was an object of art,
    Their skill was apparent, on each little part.
    The finish was added with a miracle brush,
    Three coats in an hour, there was no need to rush.

    The boxes for jewelry, they did with much care,
    They knew that a lady would savor their ware.
    Each tiny dovetail on each little drawer,
    Was fitted by hands that had done it before.

    The music that played when each ring drawer was out,
    Was planned for the lady, of that have no doubt.
    “Love Me Tender” for Jan, “Sound of Music” for Julie,
    Their choices were perfect. Of that I speak truly.

    The last one they made was for my daughter Stace,
    There was no question here, “Amazing Grace”.
    One finish was poly, the others were oiled,
    They were rubbed out by hands that were not even soiled.

    Even the reindeer got into the act,
    Now this was a team, and that is a fact.
    Each of the reindeer donated a hint,
    Of antler for pens with a marble-like glint.

    Enthused as I was, as I watched all that skill,
    I wanted to help, but was told to, “SIT STILL!”
    “We’ve got enough help, all the tools are in use”;
    At least that was Santa’s transparent excuse.

    With incredible swiftness and talent I saw,
    The elves make my dreams look like ones that I draw.
    In a matter of moments, Mr. Claus and his elves,
    Had made many memories, to fill many shelves.

    As the jolly old guy and his crew swept the floor,
    He handed me books and instructions galore.
    He didn’t exactly critique my intent,
    But kindly suggested my Forrest was bent.

    I noted a tear as they rose to the sky,
    No doubt from some sawdust that caught in my eye.
    And I heard the big guy, as he yelled to the rear,
    “Merry Christmas, keep tryin’, but I’ll be back next year!”

    “Well”, I said to myself as they sped to the Yule,
    “Question Santa Claus? NEVER! You cynical fool!”
    For those who may question this story the most,
    I’ve got proof in the scanner, if my picture will post.

    Attached Thumbnails

    __________________
    Every man’s work is always a portrait of himself.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    3,349
    Great poem Dale. I must have missed it last year.
    Where did I put that tape measure...

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    277
    Great story Dale!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Lake Leelanau, MI
    Posts
    2,630
    Good one Dale. I didn't catch it last year, but I'll look forward to it next year as well. Keep up the "bad" work, and Merry Christmas you old fox.

    John
    John Bailey
    Sawmill Creek is a member supported forum. Click here to donate.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Water Park Capital of the World
    Posts
    2,219
    Pesh, now your a poet also?

    I am giving up.

    I can't compete.

    You win.

    Thank you for the poem and Christmas wishes.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours.

    Karl
    Creeker Visits. They're the best.

  7. #7
    Dale, I've missed your poem in the past but I'm glad I saw it this year. Nice work. I bet there'll be a lot of happy folks on Christmas day.

    Santa and his elves won't stop at my house although I've got all the tools oiled and ready for them. Might as well sell the tools. Anybody wanna buy my shop?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    East of the Mississippi
    Posts
    3,807
    Wonderful Dale, glad I found it.

  9. #9
    Enjoyed the poem for sure. Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house....... Oh well I ain't good at prose anyway. Merry Christmas to all. Even the hethens
    Just keep working on it. It'll give up and do right after a while.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Splendora, TX
    Posts
    703
    Merry Christmas to you too Dale, great story, now if I can just get Santa to come by my shop!!
    David

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Arena, Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,272
    Dale,

    Thanks again for your charmed wit. This Christmas story is new to me every year!

    Unfortunately for me though, “He knows if you’ve been bad or good…”

    Merry Christmas

    Frank

  12. #12
    Great poem Dale. As this is my first Christmas here on SMC, I'd not seen it before, so thanks for sharing it again.

    - Vaughn

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Peshtigo, WI (~50 miles N of Green Bay)
    Posts
    1,403

    Alternatives!

    Quote Originally Posted by Frank Chaffee
    Dale,

    Unfortunately for me though, “He knows if you’ve been bad or good…”

    Merry Christmas

    Frank
    Hey Frank,
    Have you EVER tried being GOOD for a change? Who knows? It may work for you like it has worked for ME!! Over the past sixty-four years, I have accumulated enough sticks to make a GREAT bonfire and enough chunks of coal to power Peshtigo for the next three years.

    We ALL have our talents!

    Dale T.
    I am so busy REMAKING my projects that I don't have time to make them the FIRST time!

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Just outside of Spring Green, Wisconsin
    Posts
    9,442
    Hey Pesh, thanks! I've enjoyed the story before, I enjoyed it today and I'm sure I'll enjoy it for years to come! You're a good man and a good friend! A merry and blessed Christmas to you and yours!
    Cheers,
    John K. Miliunas

    Cannot find REALITY.SYS. Universe halted.
    60 grit is a turning tool, ain't it?
    SMC is totally supported by volunteers and your generosity! Please help if you can!
    Looking for something for nothing? Check here!

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Dayton, TX
    Posts
    3,173
    Great poem Dale. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

    Ernie

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