CHRISTMAS 2011 POEM!

CHRISTMAS 2011 POEM!
HEATHER MCKEOWN
JFK INFLIGHT


'Twas the night before Christmas, with planes on the ground
no aircraft were flying, no joy could be found.
The people, hung up, by as blizzard so big,
hopes weren't very high, people just flipped their wigs.

Some children were nestled at departure gates,
while adults complained to strangers and mates.
And carry on baggage with ribbons and bows
was scattered all over as folks aired their woes.

When from the P.A.  there arose such a clatter
every ear was a'straining to hear what was the matter.
When the static and squealing, that infernal blast,
finally calmed, a song started fast.

Someone was singing, O HOLY NIGHT
with such perfect pitch, no one wanted to fight.
Forget that they all were missing their flights
The voice was a-belting with all of its might.

With very old words, so peaceful and quick,
The crowed settled down, now, wasn't that slick?
The children awoke and rubbed little eyes,
and the parents just hugged them and said, “No one flies....”
Our name tags!  Our bright wings!
Our uniforms neat!
On roller boards, tote bags!
OH...DON'T FAIL ME, FEET!
To the top of the jetway!
Down T-5's crowded halls!
FLY AWAY!   FLY AWAY!
The crewmembers called.

But this wasn't to happen, so we joined one another
and weren't to happy with the storm, WHAT A MOTHAH!
Yet the music seduced us and calmed us down, too,
and we began singing...what else could we do?

As the chords of the hymn hit our eardrums that night
we all knew our chances - we'd not get a flight.
So we all got together at gate twenty-two
and formed our own chorus  - who cared if we flew?

The traveling public is fickle at best
They stopped their a-cursing-giving ground ops a rest!
The words were familiar to most of the people
so they joined in the singing without church or steeple.

Some dressed in fur, from their heads to their feet
and others wore jeans and sweat shirts for their heat.
With bundles of carry on slung on their backs
Some ladies had dresses, others nice slacks.

Their eyes—how they twinkled!  They looked almost merry!
And even crewmembers had ceased to be wary!
Some folks were loud, they sang every note
enjoying it all, they weren't  singing by rote!
Some hit high notes by the skin of their teeth,
and music encircled us just like a wreath.
The fact of the matter?  We thought it much wiser
to accept that the music was a great equalizer!

Some were happy, some sad, but each gave of himself
and I smiled at the huge crowd, in spite of myself.
With a tear in my eye, I covered my face.
and gave thanks just because of the love in the place.

Then another announcement came from the P.A.
“The airport just opened...you'll get out today!”
The group just disbanded, walking slowly away,
they'll get home this Christmas!
                               We get double-pay!


Thanks Heather