12/06/2024
Are you ready to meander?
🎄 Twas the eve of Grand Meander, and all down the street,
Shops were all bustling, with sights sure to treat.
The garlands were hung ‘cross the avenue with care,
In hopes that Saint Paulites soon would be there.
The lampposts were twinkling with holiday cheer,
While visions of cocoa and craft brews drew near.
And vendors in mittens, their noses bright red,
Peddled sweet treats like warm gingerbread.
When out on the sidewalk arose such a clatter,
I dashed from a boutique to see what was the matter.
Past pop-ups and carolers, I flew like a flash,
Dodging a snowbank (and almost a splash).
The moon on the snowbanks, all sparkling with frost,
Lit up the quaint shops, no detail was lost.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a trolley adorned with holiday gear.
With a sprightly conductor, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment this wasn't St. Nick.
More rapid than reindeer, the riders they came,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
“Now, shoppers! Now, diners! Now, art-lovers too!
On, families! On, couples! We’ve got much to do!
To the next block and corner, don’t miss out at all,
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As snowflakes that dance on a crisp winter breeze,
They floated down Grand past the glowing marquees.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard from the lot,
The jingling bells of a horse-drawn trot.
As I peeked 'round the corner and spun back around,
Down the cobbled road Santa came with a bound.
His cheeks were like roses, his smile so merry,
He held in one hand a steaming hot cherry.
With twinkle lights glowing atop his red sled,
He waved at the children, who squealed and then fled—
To warm by the fires or sip cider that steamed,
While parents explored all the treasures they'd dreamed.
He spoke not a word but went straight to his stroll,
Admiring the shops, from antiques to the clothes.
He gave a quick wink as he ended his roam,
Climbing back in his sleigh to make his way home.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Meander to all, and to all a Grand night!”
