A Volunteer Pilot’s Night Before Christmas
“ ‘Twas the night before Christmas,” the old lines tell of glory
But I, a volunteer pilot, will tell a new story.
The airport was shining with colorful lights
In hopes that night pilots would have safer flights.
The planes tucked in hangars, the pilots in bed
While visions of clear flying danced in their heads.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t drift off to slumber
Too much hangar coffee had done a real number.
Then out on the runway, there arose such a clatter
I leapt out of bed to see what was the matter.
Sprinting outside, I hoped it was a joke
Praying that nothing had gone up in smoke.
All of a sudden, something came down
Like iced-over wings, plummeting to the ground.
That’s when I realized I had to act quick
Because that falling object was beloved St. Nick!
“Santa,” I shouted, “get control of your sleigh!”
Santa was panicking, and cried out “Mayday!”
“Whoa, Dasher! Whoa, Dancer! Whoa, Prancer and Vixen!
Whoa, Comet! Whoa, Cupid! Whoa, Donner and Blitzen!”
“Try to make a safe landing, we’re in a stall!
Slow down, I beg you! Slow down all!”
Grabbing two batons, I sprang into action
This was an emergency, no time for distraction.
I got Santa to land in that moment of distress
The sleigh wasn’t shining, it looked like a mess.
That’s when I wondered, “What happened on this task?”
Santa sighed in reply, “It’s funny you asked.”
Santa explained, “Christmas magic wears thin
People don’t believe, and they let hatred win.”
Santa’s words brought tears to my eyes,
“Well, I believe. That’s one reason I fly.”
That’s when a glimmer came over the sleigh
Then, dimming like stardust, it just fell away.
I got an idea, and it gave Santa cheer:
“Kindness restores magic, you can still go this year!”
“Well then, good pilot,” said Santa, “please tell me why:
What makes volunteer pilots want to fly?”
I thought for a moment, got my words on track
And hoped what I said would bring magic back.
“Children with illnesses, needing the sun
We fly them to summer camp, where they can have fun.”
Veterans who suffer from deep inner strife
We help them fly over the clouds in life.”
“Cancer patients losing hope, for aid they are crying
We fly them to treatment and stop them from dying.”
A miracle happened: the more stories I told
The more the sleigh sparkled and glittered in gold!
Santa went from sad to smiling in a minute
We fixed the sleigh together, and then he jumped in it.
“Thank you, good pilot, now I’ll fly away!
You’ve done so much this year, and saved the holiday.”
“You’re welcome, Santa! And stay safe up there!”
Sleigh bells jingled, and Santa soared up in the air.
But I heard the kind words, as he went into flight:
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
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