A Lesson Learned
Posted By Randy on December 7, 2013
In the wake of my 5 December 2013 reminder of Krampusnacht, I dedicate today’s ever so timely homage to my Esteemed forensic investigator Friend Martin. He, and you, will understand why when you get to the end of the poem, and I’m sure he, of all people, will consider this good advice indeed.
Krampusnacht
By LFM
The Sun no longer lights the sky,
And night has come at last.
Late Autumn’s Moon stands vigil
As a swirl of stars sweep past.
The frost has cast its gleaming crust
Across the darkened land,
To lie in such perfection
As belies a random hand.
The tips of branches scrape the glass
Like fingernails on slate,
As chill dark winds remind the house
The hour is growing late.
The children now are tucked in bed,
Their minds all far from sleep.
They know tonight is Krampusnacht
And none dare make a peep.
Tonight they know Saint Nicholas
Will travel through the land,
With sweet rewards for goodness left
By his approving hand.
But those of them who’ve disobeyed,
Thrown tantrums, fits, or lies,
Will find it hard this night of nights
To close their little eyes.
For these ones know another thing
Will also come tonight.
A thing of purest punishment,
And blackest, purest fright!
It brings its gift of horror and
Their peril’s at his whim,
For to walk the path of insolence
Will bring you straight to HIM!
Good kinder wake to find their shoes
O’erflowed with wonders sweet.
Those not so good are simply glad
The morning sun to greet.
To find your shoes o’erflowing
With cold ashes, thorns, and dung,
Is far better than a birching ere
To Krampus’ sack you’re flung.
Thence to his dark and frightful home
From whence there’s no respite,
To flee his birch forevermore
Red lit by fire light.
And now to you, my little Son.
Embrace this as your guide.
For Krampus turns his mind on those
Who SHOW their darker side.
You needn’t be a saint my son,
And here’s the thing to do –
No matter what your mind, be sure
That none can prove t’was you.
For in the end, the only one
That you must n’er defy
Is that one inside the mirror
Who will judge you, eye to eye.
As always Randy, wonderful!!
Exceptional !! This one is a stand out. You know I enjoy LFM as part of my daily routine, and am truly delighted to make the occasional mention (honourable or otherwise), but the thing I most eagerly await is the signed first edition.
All the best to you, Diana and Viktor
And may you have a very merry christmas