How the Snollygoster Stole Wordmas ( after Theodor [Dr] Seuss Geisel )

Once upon a lifetime        
in the heart of a speck of dust,          
every little poetic Mite          
needed clay to carve their words –          
         
no matter how mundane        
or even crazy they seemed;        
regardless of any rhyme        
rhythm, or even a theme!          
         
Poetry was their life, you see!          
And, at the end of each new day          
they carved their tablets of clay –        
for Wordmas was on its way!          
         
They'd glitter, shine, describe and show  
  how beautiful writing was!
On Wordmas Eve would gather and read
  the fruits of the language they loved!

But, O! Beware! As in all stories there
  lived a Snollygoster, rottenest of them all –
had a bitter heart and shriveled soul
from too much unrequited love.

You know the cliché, I don’t have to say
how misery loves its company!
For an old Soucouyant saw his irate state
and took full advantage of her puppetry!

So the Snollygoster became a Sycophant
of the devious Soucouyant –
who felt because she’d arrived first
should control every poetic Mite.

She camouflaged with friendship
plotting to protect her interest–
manipulating the nasty Snollygoster          
to do her dirty business

They both hated the poetic Mites
detesting their independence!
And tried many low, unethical ways
to undermine their very existence

A mean pair, they were
 living a double-life of resentment –
and grew accustomed to blaming
 everyone else with a vengeance          
         
Responsibility wasn’t a word
neither had earnestly used –
except to get what they wanted
and their eyes were set on dust!

So they planned to pummel the burrows
of the strongest poetic Mites –
relentlessly stealing their tablets
and hiding their accomplishments!

With a chomp and a spit
the old Snollygoster crushed
each and every tender verse
as the Mites innocently slept –

He’d slithered and he’d stalked
until all meaning was destroyed –
and no poetic verses were left
No! not even one letter at all!

He masticated the nouns
with the muscles of his jaw!
He suffocated the verbs
with the mucus he dispersed!

He lassoed the adjectives
before they became too tall!
Hung’em from earthen roots
until they moved no more!

Oh and the art! No! No! No!
He’d bonfire them all!
One by one into the blaze
never to be viewed again!

He’d weave and he’d crawl
that’s what he’d do!
And when they awoke
on Wordmass morn –

An entire alphabet would be gone!
And, every single poem too!

Once his dirty deed was done
he returned to the Soucouyant's Coven
for tainted wine and molded bread
to await the crying to begin.  

The sun had barely topped the ridge
early that Wordmass morn –
the evil Soucouyant wrung her hands
and the nasty Snollygoster did gloat.

But what they heard that Wordmass morn l
was not what they expected, O! No!
No high-pitched wailing, or gnashing of teeth
cursing or declaration of war!

It started with just one word, yes!
Love was all they heard –
then Hope, Faith and Thankfulness
eagerly followed in suit!

Before the Soucouyant could gasp a lung!
Before the Snollygoster could hack a why!
A poem echoed throughout the land
from the hearts of the poetic Mites:

All it takes is Love and Hope
followed by Faith and Thankfulness!
For what is chiseled in the heart
shall be recited in gratefulness!

For tablets of clay are of the earth
and no more than a humble tool –
to carve and record all our poems
but not from our memory too!

Despite what is taken away from Us
we’ll believe it was for the best!
And sing a song of gratitude –
for Love is what matters the most!

Those who learn Love honestly
without devious plots or malice,
are those who deserve true happiness
knowing the meaning of Wordmass!

The poem shattered the Soucouyant’s coven!
The nasty Snollygoster second-guess
all his actions and what he’d done –
realizing eventually he’d been tricked!

For revenge and heartache aren’t the way
to overcome hatred and strife!
Only forgiveness can mend the Spirit
and responsibility for one’s own actions

There is a lesson to be learned
by each and every being born –
You cannot blame another Soul
for the pain you have endured.

Only through pure acceptance
can you truly, truly Love –
For in acceptance lieth peace
and enables you to move on.

The poetic Mites did recite
and with their loud voice thanked –
the Soucouyant and Snollygoster
for the most important gift!

And especially hoped, someday
even prayed for a miracle to occur –
that the Soucouyant and Snollygoster
would find true peace and Love.

"Amen. Amen. Amen!”

The End          
~        
         
#DrSeuss