Another ‘Visit From St Nicholas’

To the Editor:

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…

The ballots were boxed in crates, large and small,

Until all the lawyers had a chance to recall.

While the world was all nestled, all snug in their beds,

The leaders had visions that danced in their heads.

Both Al in his sneakers and George in his hat,

Had called a “time-out” from their ongoing spat.

When out on the street there rose such a clatter,

Protesters shouted – a most innocent clatter.

And just outside the window, I spotted, this night,

Some figures, so different, they made quite a sight!

When what to my wandering eyes should appear,

A stretch limousine and nine folks in full gear.

They were dressed all in black from their necks to their feet,

And their shoes were all varnished – we were in for a  treat.

As I twisted my head with a quick-turning wrench,

Down the hallway they came and ap-proached “the bench.”

The clerk of the court through another door, came,

And he hooted and shouted and called them by name.

Kennedy, Scalia, Souter and Stevens,

Some think them odd; still others quite even.

O’Connor and Ginsburg, Thomas and Breyer,

But don’t leave out Rehnquist, for he is the “higher.”

To the top of the dais, to the top of the hall,

This Supreme Court would now handle the ball.

Reversing the trend of the Florida Court,

Who just some days prior, gave a different report.

By the time this is printed, and the President’s named,

And the chads and the dimples will each share the blame,

Anchors and “experts” through the media will call,

Dash away, dash away, dash away all!

And we’ll hear them exclaim,

As they fly out of sight,

Merry Christmas to all!

Bush elected, this night!

Sincerely,

Leo McIlrath

13 Sugar Loaf Road, Sandy Hook   December 20, 2000