‘Tis the Night Before Christmas,
2012
'Tis the night before Christmas, and
my thoughts they do ponder
On where we have been this past year way back yonder.
Aboard our fair cutter, JonNe', we've been blessed
Through our trials and travels, north, south, east, and west.
Key West's been our home with our friends dear and true,
Some sailed, some stayed, one passed to the Blue.
A hero to all of us, George lays in rest
But his mem'ry remains, his history the best.
Sailing north then to east, the Bahamas we found
With five Boca Chica vessels for Paradise bound
Key West to the Abacos, our journey we found
Great weather, good sailing, scores of dolphins around
Torn mains'l, bad radio, no sound could we hear
We knew Boca Chica was straight to our rear.
We turned her around, no sight of Jois and Mick
So we figured we'd repair all the things on our stick.
Good trial run, but work to complete,
Two weeks off our schedule our friends we would meet
On our next leg to West End running smooth 'cross the Stream
To meet Boca Chica Buddies and start the cruise of our dream.
Where out on the horizon there arose such a scene
As the sun broached the horizon, those boats we could see.
We joined their armada and sailed to the east
16 days of pleasure, no sign of the beast.
Fair Haven, POW-MIA, Last Dance, and Flynn's Wake,
Out early each morning, more anchorages to make.
Great Guana, Green Turtle, Great Sail, Spanish Cay,
Treasure, and Hopetown the places we see.
To soon some head home for places up north
Flynnigan's Wake and JonNe' continue due south.
Current Cut was exciting, the transit we made
Eleuthera inviting, no longer afraid.
The Exumas were beautiful, way beyond belief
Blue water, white sand, and an occasional reef.
One storm nearly took us, our boats they wandered
Without us, alone down the coast til aboard we did scramble.
Our own departure from Bimini, back to the coast
Fond memories later we always can boast.
Heading North up the coast for Lat 31
Hurricanes in the future, security done
We sailed north to Brunswick and St. Simon Isle
And then off to Europe militar style
We landed in Naples and Plankton found us
But the language was tough and caused us much fuss.
Volcanoes and ruins of Roman antique
Vistas and castles made landscape unique
A swordfish or two made dinners complete
Ending three years of famine for seafood a feat
We tackled the Straits of Mesina one day
We'd heard of the dangers we would find on the way
Wretched currents and whirlpools, disasters we'd find
But good planning, fine sailing, and we turned out just fine
Now the boat's in Key West and we are back on the land
In Kemah with friends, the holidays to plan.
We've been to the parties, dinners and such
We hope we've not challenged our welcome too much
Renne's great achievement her books she does write,
for children and lovers and the Shuttle in flight
The crowds that she draws as she signs each first page
Remind me of how blessed we are at this age.
As I sit here I ponder of the day next to dawn
I sip on a toddy, stifling a yawn
I think of the story from days that are old
Christ's birth in a manger the story still told
Our blessings, forgiveness, our riches this day
Because of his love we follow his way.
He shares with us all and Santa with elves
To share our great wealth he provides to ourselves
So here's to my wife the best friend I could have,
A partner in life sharing each of our lives.
A vessel to carry us well beyond dreams
We are thankful to Christ for the best of all schemes
So we toast to our friends as I write this poor tome
We celebrate Christmas in each of your homes
We thank all of you who have been part of this cheer
And wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Jon and Renne Siewers, 2012
On where we have been this past year way back yonder.
Aboard our fair cutter, JonNe', we've been blessed
Through our trials and travels, north, south, east, and west.
Key West's been our home with our friends dear and true,
Some sailed, some stayed, one passed to the Blue.
A hero to all of us, George lays in rest
But his mem'ry remains, his history the best.
Sailing north then to east, the Bahamas we found
With five Boca Chica vessels for Paradise bound
Key West to the Abacos, our journey we found
Great weather, good sailing, scores of dolphins around
Torn mains'l, bad radio, no sound could we hear
We knew Boca Chica was straight to our rear.
We turned her around, no sight of Jois and Mick
So we figured we'd repair all the things on our stick.
Good trial run, but work to complete,
Two weeks off our schedule our friends we would meet
On our next leg to West End running smooth 'cross the Stream
To meet Boca Chica Buddies and start the cruise of our dream.
Where out on the horizon there arose such a scene
As the sun broached the horizon, those boats we could see.
We joined their armada and sailed to the east
16 days of pleasure, no sign of the beast.
Fair Haven, POW-MIA, Last Dance, and Flynn's Wake,
Out early each morning, more anchorages to make.
Great Guana, Green Turtle, Great Sail, Spanish Cay,
Treasure, and Hopetown the places we see.
To soon some head home for places up north
Flynnigan's Wake and JonNe' continue due south.
Current Cut was exciting, the transit we made
Eleuthera inviting, no longer afraid.
The Exumas were beautiful, way beyond belief
Blue water, white sand, and an occasional reef.
One storm nearly took us, our boats they wandered
Without us, alone down the coast til aboard we did scramble.
Our own departure from Bimini, back to the coast
Fond memories later we always can boast.
Heading North up the coast for Lat 31
Hurricanes in the future, security done
We sailed north to Brunswick and St. Simon Isle
And then off to Europe militar style
We landed in Naples and Plankton found us
But the language was tough and caused us much fuss.
Volcanoes and ruins of Roman antique
Vistas and castles made landscape unique
A swordfish or two made dinners complete
Ending three years of famine for seafood a feat
We tackled the Straits of Mesina one day
We'd heard of the dangers we would find on the way
Wretched currents and whirlpools, disasters we'd find
But good planning, fine sailing, and we turned out just fine
Now the boat's in Key West and we are back on the land
In Kemah with friends, the holidays to plan.
We've been to the parties, dinners and such
We hope we've not challenged our welcome too much
Renne's great achievement her books she does write,
for children and lovers and the Shuttle in flight
The crowds that she draws as she signs each first page
Remind me of how blessed we are at this age.
As I sit here I ponder of the day next to dawn
I sip on a toddy, stifling a yawn
I think of the story from days that are old
Christ's birth in a manger the story still told
Our blessings, forgiveness, our riches this day
Because of his love we follow his way.
He shares with us all and Santa with elves
To share our great wealth he provides to ourselves
So here's to my wife the best friend I could have,
A partner in life sharing each of our lives.
A vessel to carry us well beyond dreams
We are thankful to Christ for the best of all schemes
So we toast to our friends as I write this poor tome
We celebrate Christmas in each of your homes
We thank all of you who have been part of this cheer
And wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Jon and Renne Siewers, 2012
