Twas the Day Before Christmas...Kenya Week 12: December 20-26

 

 

I feel my Kenyan Christmas experience is best expressed in rhyme**... Enjoy!

Twas the day before Christmas, and all through St. Camillus,
The mzungus spread Christmas joy even if it would kill us.
The decorations were hung by Kayla and Lauren with care,
In hopes that visitors would leave them right there.

The patients were nestled all snug in their beds,
While Christy placed dextrose and painkillers over their heads.
And Dr. Jimmy monitored patients with his smile and stethoscope
Checking vitals and breath sound for signs of hope.

When out on the staff compound there arose such a clatter,
I sprang up from my nap to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew with glee,
To see little Alan stuck up in a tree!

The moon on the breast of the beautiful lake
Gave the luster of a postcard or something else fake.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
A tall Italian priest, talking loud for all to hear.

With a tank top and shorts, his cigarette aglow,
I knew in a moment it must be Fr. Emilio.
More rapid than eagles his orders they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called us by name!

"Now Kayla! Now, Jimmy! Now, Lauren and Christine!
Fr. Mario! Fr. Julius! All the novices get in!!
Climb into the cars! Be careful don’t fall!
Its time for Christmas Mass! Now dash away all!"

The Duluo Christmas songs they were a-singing,
While the English Noel in my ears was a-ringing.
After Mass we drank wine and ate Panattone,
All together in the house so we didn’t feel quite so alone.

On Christmas Day we gave the patients some sweets,
And sang them Christmas Carols. Oh what a treat!
We each had a few packages we opened with joy.
The chocolates and cards much better than any trinket or toy.

My Kenyan friends and neighbors did little to celebrate.
For them having rice makes their small feast just great.
Poverty keeps them from buying gifts and such.
But at least they can take off work and not do much.

I hope you all enjoyed my little Christmas rhyme.
And I pray that it finds you warm, happy, and fine.
A poet I’m not, but I wish you with all of my might,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"


**The characters and events of this poem are based on fact...to the greatest extent possible when attempting to rhyme. Any resemblance to classical American Christmas poems is purely coincidental.