T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
When down through the chimney, all covered with soot,
Came the “Spirit of Fire,” an ugly galoot.
His eyes glowed like embers, his features were stern,
As he looked all around for something to burn.
What he saw made him grumble his anger grew higher
Fore there wasn’t a thing that would start a good fire.
No door had been blocked by the big Christmas tree.
It stood in the corner leaving passageways free.
The lights that glowed brightly for Betty and Tim,
Had been hung with precaution so none touched a limb.
All wiring was new not a break could be seen
And wet sand at its base kept the tree nice and green.
The tree had been trimmed by mother insistent
That the ornaments used be fire resistant.
The mother had known the things to avoid,
Like cotton and paper and plain celluloid.
Rock wool, metal icicles and trinkets of glass
Gave life to the tree – It really had class.
And, would you believe it, right next to the tree
Was a suitable box for holding debris.
A place to hold wrapping of paper and string
From all the gifts that Santa might bring.
The ugly galoot was so mad he could bust
As he climbed up the chimney in utter disgust.
For the folks in this home had paid close attention
To all the rules of good fire prevention.
CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit wishes you and your family a safe holiday season.
(Author Unknown)
