‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Valley,
The stores were all closed, no vans in the alley.
Folks of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland,
Were all inside, doing whatever was planned.
Very odd format for a column, it may seem,
You’re forgiven; you don’t know my routine.
It’s somewhat of a tradition, wherever my home,
To finish the year with a Christmas poem.
So here it is, Valley folk, to you, my first of many
A Yuletide ode, not worth a plug penny.
But perhaps it will bring out a smile or two,
As you read my weak effort, while sipping a brew.
Now please bear with me, I know I’ll forget
To list one or two whom I haven’t met yet.
Let’s start with the mayors, Jangula, Ives and Baird:
Four years of prosperity for you (to be shared).
For 19 Wing Commander Col. Dunne,
A peaceful tenure, no conflicts to be won.
For YQQ CEO Fred Bigelow,
More WestJet directs; Hawaii’s nice. No?
For our great music director Doug Cox;
A lineup for MusicFest that really rocks.
Shortsighted of me? You’re right. That’s not fair;
Blues, soul and folk also fit right in there.
Fire Chief Gord Schreiner would be quite pleased
If every business received AEDs.
For the kids at the Comox Valley CDA
More sensory room equipment would sure make their day.
On YANA, on Sally Ann, on Dawn to Dawn too,
May next year bring increased donations to you.
Our therapeutic riding society’s the best;
Increased donations for it, like the rest.
This wish for L’arche simply can’t be wrong.
A year to keep spreading the news: I Belong!
For all those going without this year,
May shelter, warmth, food and good clothing be near.
For Maple Pool owners Dali and Jin Lin
A resolution that proves to be a win/win.
To all my neighbours in Harbourview;
It’s been such a pleasure living next to you.
To Zena Williams, my departing boss;
Kimberly’s gain is Courtenay’s loss.
For my staff - Scott, and Coup and Erin;
I promise next deadline there will be no swearin’.
To those who took part in my Facebook ‘date night’,
I blame you all for my pants being so tight.
Now I know what you’re saying, my timbre is poor.
My poetry skills belong in the sewer.
Of course you are right, and yes, I do know it.
I’m an editor, after all, and nobody’s poet.
So to all I have left out, please don’t be miffed
And accept this wish as your Christmas gift.
It comes from the heart so it has to be right,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Terry Farrell is the editor of the Comox Valley Record