from the story by
Charles Dickens
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The townsmen said, "for the poor, some alms?"
"Don't come in here with upturned palms"
The voice of Scrooge was rough as gravel
"A Christmas Carol" is about to unravel
The weather outside was cold and horrid
As Scrooge settled down with his bowl of porridge
The snow beat unmercifully on the window panes
And he trembled with fright when he heard the chains
T'was Marley, his partner in business, long dead
Who, bound with chains and cashboxes, said,
"Ebenezer, you had best be mending your ways
or you'll end up like me at the end of your days."
Old Scrooge just couldn't believe his eyes
Always thought that when one dies, he dies!
Didn't think that Marley was really there,
Did not believe three ghosts would appear
He put another small lump of coal on the fire
Paid no attention to the predictions dire
Wrapped in his robe, he finished his gruel
Not thinking of the fates, who can be cruel
He climbed into his welcome bed
And on his pillow he laid his head
Not another thought wasted on Marley's spectre
Pulled the bed curtains around as a protector
He slept fitfully in pieces and bits
When the first ghost came, scared him out of his wits!
They flew out of the window as old Scrooge asked,
The answer was given, "I AM YOUR PAST."
The visitor showed him his growing up years
Ebenezer was moved to reminiscing tears
The ghost moved on, showed him old days
Then brought him back and went on his way
The second phantom came with bountiful glee
"I am the SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT" said he
Again, Scrooge was taken by the hand
As they traveled together over the land
Stood outside at the windows of his clerk's house, Bob
Who sat with his family discussing his job,
And how bad he felt for Ebenezer,
Because he was such a lonely old geezer
Then Scrooge took notice of Tiny Tim
And asked the ghost, "What will happen to him?"
The specter said, "His time is coming fast,
This Christmas is likely to be his last."
He showed him his nephew's house, and within
His family was toasting none other but him
He marveled that they kept him in their heart
As he watched, not wanting to depart
He knew when he found himself in bed
He'd be visited by the "GHOST OF THINGS AHEAD."
He cringed and trembled when the spirit appeared
To show him the things he always feared
He showed him the death of Tiny Tim
And how the Cratchits were mourning him
He watched as his nephew raised a toast
To his old uncle Ebenezer's ghost
The form took him to a dreaded place
Pointed to a stone, and on it's face
Were the words that he feared most, and he read,
"HE IS NO MORE, OLD SCROOGE IS DEAD"
He began to shiver, then to quake
As he opened his eyes and said, I'M AWAKE!!!"
Jumped out of bed and began to dance!
He knew he'd been given a second chance!
He threw open his window and yelled at a boy,
"HERE'S SOME MONEY, BRING THE GOOSE!" Oh, what a joy!!
Gave his servants a holiday, as they stood there amazed
Gave alms to the poor, "HAPPY DAYS, HAPPY DAYS!"
He went to his nephew's raised a glass in cheer
Told him, "How wonderful it is to be here!"
Then off to the Crachit's and took them their meal
Gave Bob a holiday and a raise, and said, "It's time to heal."
"You'll make enough money to keep you all fed,
And make sure you all have a roof o'er your head,
I'll make sure we'll see your little boy run!"
And Tiny Tim said, "GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE"