Gwynn's Island Christmas

A few years ago I wrote this poem about Christmas time on Gwynn's Island, enjoy.

                             Gwynn’s Island Christmas

by

Renee' Callis

T’was the night before Christmas In Gwynn’s Island Town 

Not a creature was stirring no one was around 

 Mr. Tweetie had locked up his store Tight as a tick 

And everyone was looking For ole Saint Nick 

 Florence had handed out The last Christmas card 

Connie and Jackie had Rain Deer in their yard 

 Scrooch and Rodney had Turned off the light 

And Virginia was home Ready to turn in for the night 

 Jr. and Elwood had Secured the dock 

Won’t be any more fishing 

No more catching Rock 

 Aunt Ethel had just finished Her chocolate cake 

Aunt Minnie was through Her fruitcake bake 

 Uncle Piggy had finished Mending his crab pots 

And Uncle Willis was visiting 

People others had forgot 

 Mama had baked her Cookies with cherries 

And made her muffins Full of blueberries 

 Daddy had refused To do any shopping 

But, boy he knew How to keep us all hopping 

 Aunt Hazel had fed Everyone at four 

Dean, Lillie, Annie and Willis, Jr were looking out the door Waiting to run and  find someone to tell 

If they heard the sound of a faint little bell 

 The jingle of bells On Santa’s sleigh 

Would mean he’s On his way 

 If we were good we didn’t worry Santa would be 

Here in a hurry 

 Just about seven Bunk, Dee and Thel 

Would come by for a visit Those times were sure swell Marlene and I dreamed of presents As we lay in our bed 

Our room was so cold We had to cover our head Then we’d all wake up On Christmas Day 

Visit our presents then go to church to pray 

 To hear Miss Tootie give thanks for this day 

Listen to Mr. Broughman tell the story right 

And hear Thelma Sing “Oh Holy Night” 

 Get a hug from Miss Myrtle Miss Lottie and Miss Ruth 

Hear the Christmas Story Learn the Bible truth

Dee, Marsha Leigh and I Would go on stage and sing 

Silver Bells through the church ceiling would ring 

 Later on that afternoon another voice would appear  

Aunt Teenie had come in from Newport  News 

Having her there was ever so dear 

 Mama, Mildred, and Teenie would gather 

Us around the piano 

And we all sang Christmas carols Minnie and Mama sang soprano, Teenie, alto 

 Wish you could have been there It was a magical place 

And I still can remember Every smile, every face 

 All the Christmas’s In ole Gwynn’s Island Town 

Were the best celebrations I have ever found 

 So if you are ever In our part of the world 

Stop by, take some time, 

To give our Gwynn’s Island Christmas a whirl