‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the Gump’s House,
not a creature was shrimpin’, not even a mouse.
Li’l Forrest’s stocking hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
Forrest and Jenny were snuggled in bed,
while new Nike sneakers danced in their heads.
Mamma Gump in her ‘kerchief, Lt. Dan in his cap,
had settled their buttocks for a long winter’s nap.
‘Cross the Alabama lawn there arose such a clatter,
Bubba sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window they all flew like a flash,
tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
When, what to Forrest’s wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature Shrimp Boat, pulled by eight tiny reindeer,
with a seafaring captain, so lively and quick,
Li’l Forrest knew that it must be St Nick.
He docked on the roof with flawless aim,
as he whistled, and called out for each Gump by name!
“Now, Jenny! Now, Forrests both grownup and small!
Now Bubba, now Mama, Lt. Dan, and all!“
The hold of the Shrimp Boat was bursting with gifts
that St. Nick hauled with nets he scarcely could lift.
His bundle of gifts he presented to all,
each one very special and sure to enthrall.
For Forrest the love of his family and friends,
and a riding lawnmower by Mercedes Benz.
For Jenny relief from her old demons past,
and a new floral dress with hippie-chic class.
For Lt. Dan, peace and acceptance of fate,
and titanium legs befitting First Mate.
For Bubba, the greatest gift he could receive
was a bottomless book of shrimp recipes.
Li’l Forrest already so gifted and smart,
had gifts most cherished in his little heart;
Mother and Father, Family and Home,
and a new ping-pong paddle of his very own.
For Mama, a box of variety chocolates,
and a journal to write down her wisdom and quotes.
Completing his task, St. Nicholas turned,
looked up at the chimney with a face quite stern,
muttered, “Stupid is as stupid does is true“
and went out thru the door instead of the flue!
He boarded his shrimp boat, and anchors aweigh,
flew off in his Gump-style Christmas sleigh.
From the distance they heard him quip, “Run, Forrest Run”,
“Merry Christmas in Greenbow, I hope y’all have Fun!”
Next Blog Title: Stories of Gumption – Rita McIntire
Next Blog Date: Jan 27, 2010