Twas the Night Before Christmas [Summit Station]
Twas the night before Christmas when all through Greenhouse
Not a creature was stirring, not even the housemouse.
The pots and pans were hung in the kitchen with great care
In hopes that Kathy’s delicious cooking, soon would be there.
The ops crew was nestled all snug in their beds
While re-runs of Bollywood danced all in their heads
And Kaija in her neck gaiter and Grey in his cap
Had just dozed off like a carpenter’s mid-lunch nap.
When out on TAWO, there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bunk to see what was the matter
Away to the borehole I skated so quick
The high elevation making me feel undeniably sick
A sun-dog on the breast of rippled sastrugi
Nearly blocked in my goggles by a large, frozen boogie.
When, what to my frosty eyes should appear
But an ozone sonde attached to a crate full of beer.
A brief note written in a font so large and so thick,
I knew in an instant, it was signed by St. Nick
The inscribed directions were clear and succinct
The message was simple, everyone have a drink!
Now Elissa, Now Nathan
Now Storm and Bo
On Candy! On David
On, Hannah and Thano
Out on the deck!
Up on the roof!
Now drink up, drink up
But don’t be a goof.
As northwinds that before arctic storms do blow
Cause equipment operators to curse and kick snow.
So I drew in my head, making not but a sound
I glimpsed [St.] Martin ski-dooing around
Getting dressed in ECW was surely a toil,
And his clothes were all tarnished in glycol and oil;
A bundle of bottles he had swaddled in a rag,
And he fought the wind just trying to light his fag
His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His nose was frostbitten, his cheeks not too hairy!
His droll little mouth was drawn up in a smile,
The frost on his hat proving he’d been here awhile.
An Allen wrench he held tight in his hand,
Sunglasses on his nose against the harsh light of this land;
He had a broad face with eyes gleaming so bright,
I knew we’d be friends, if just for that night.
He was witty and quick, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
Some good advice there, a wild story here,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to fear;
He said a warm hello, then went straight to his work,
And filled up the coffee, then turned with a jerk.
And keying his mic with the touch of his hand,
He gave a nod and out to tent city he ran;
He sprang up the tower and jumped to the Tucker
Then out to ICESAT, he drove with a pucker
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Today was a 10, and you know I’m damn right!”
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[Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”]
