Revisiting a Classic Holiday Poem for #GivingTuesday

 

This #GivingTuesday Eve, we are getting into the spirit of the day by revisiting a classic holiday poem…

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

Twas the eve of the New Year, and all through the land

Leaders everywhere wondered: What fate was at hand?

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

They’d managed all 2013 with great care,

In hopes that a nonprofit “win” would be theirs;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

But Congress was Grinchy (Well, you know the Feds,

It’s unclear if any have brains in their heads);

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,

Shortsighted, enamored by harsh budget caps,

And millions affected by hamstringing SNAP.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

When across the sector there arose such a rally,

It sprang from the boundless belief in what “shall be.”

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

Change makers, they mobilized all in a flash,

With strategy, leadership, (and also some cash).

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,

Commitment to mission shone strong like a glow,

Guiding intent and action so impact could grow.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,

In times like these, times are tight all through the land,

The nonprofit sector, it could use a hand.

With a little old driver so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

Who’ll help the downtrodden, the poor, and the sick?

The nation needs plenty more kindness, and quick!

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

But nonprofits everywhere, be of good cheer,

O’er the din of Black Friday, the faithful could hear:

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blixen!

“This Tuesday, December 3! Get your “donate now” clicks in!

Send checks (those still work, right?) The world needs some fixin’!”

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

For the good of community! Let’s all heed the call!

Now give today! give today! give today all!”