Brown Christmas

'Twas four days before Christmas eve, the weather, so fine and sunny.

It felt as though soon we'd see the Easter Bunny.

Unusual warm temperatures and no snow in sight,

Put on those sunglasses to keep out the bright.

Children and adults have been out in shorts and tees,

Riding bikes instead of utilizing ice skates and skis.

Out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I rushed to the window to see what was the matter.

I saw a little old driver so lively and quick,

And knew in a moment it had to be St. Nick.

I went out to greet him and offer him a drink,

"These roads are quite dust, make mine lemonade pink."

I was quite surprised to see no reindeer in sight,

In their place was a single deer hooked to his sleigh filled so tight.

It was green, with four wheels and over the roar I could hear,

Santa shouting loudly, "Nothing runs like a Deere."

Then he turned off the engine of his lawn mowing machine,

And explained the reasoning for not using his team.

"It's too warm in Iowa, the reindeer like snow,

And besides, the grass needs a trim, I'll do that before I go.

As I looked, that old Santa, turned with a jerk,

And immediately went right to his work.

He didn't stop 'til he was finished, and I laughed to myself,

"He's doing my work, that funny old elf."

He then handed me our presents and said he was glad,

"Chimneys are no fun and the soot on my suit makes Mrs. Claus mad."

As he rolled out of sight with his Deere and his sleigh,

I thanked him for coming and to have a good day.

And as I looked on the lawn, all trim, his message was clear,

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"

Were the words sculpted into the grass

For all to see as our house they did pass.