'Twas the night before packers...

'Twas the night before packers when all thro' the house
A momma was stirring, frantically picking up round the house;
The bags were all packed by the door with care,
In fear that Packers soon would be there;
The children weren't nestled all snug in their air beds,

Because there were no pillows under their heads.

And mamma in her 'yoga pants, and I in my Sleeping bag, 

Had just settled our brains for a long week of 'the nag', 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, 

I sprang from my air mattress to see what was the matter. 

Away to the window I flew like a flash, 

I tripped on the boxes and landed with a crash. 

The moving truck in the driveway on the newly mowed grass

Gave a glance of the driver who lacked class

 

When what to my overwhelmed eyes did appear, 

But a miniature man and his three trusty peers, 

With a little old driver so husky and cross, 

I knew in a moment he must be the boss. 

It was after 12:00 noon that they came, 

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

"Now, Thrasher! now, Bubba! now Vinnie and Frank! 

On, Axel! on, Butch! on, Donnie and Tank! 

To the kitchen and playroom! to the pictures on the wall! 

Now pack away! Pack away! Pack away all!" 

As packing paper, boxes and tape flew around

Before I knew it my clothes and games were all bound  

When thirty minutes were up it was outdoors they met; 

To make sure they could chat and smoke a cigarette 

So up to the bathrooms and bedrooms they flew

Not leaving a trace, not even one shoe

With the rig full of furniture, and "boss" and his crew too— 

In an instant I knew there'd be nothin to do

My siblings and I ran through each room

But there was nothing in sight and the house echoed each boom

The pictures that used to decorate our  walls were missing 

I was left with the memories and only reminiscing 

As I put down my head, and was turning around, 

Down the hallway my mom came with a bound. 

She was dirty and crying and her hair was a mess 

She appeared to be aging each moment she held onto her stress

A bundle of pieces she held in her hand, 

I think they may have been missing cards from Candyland

She looked so fragile and ready to crack;

But just then I noticed she might be back on track

Her eyes—how they watered! her arms reached for me! 

Then she gave me a hug and got down on her knees

Her voice shook and quivered as she started to pray

But she spoke of the promise God makes to us each day

She said we'd meet  great friends and make a new home

And no matter where we end up we can always pick up the phone

Her hands held mine as we stood there and cried 

But I knew again she hadn't lied

For with each move we've made I couldn't have imagined I could be so brave

I love where I am and without a doubt I'd love to stay, but I'll ride the new wave

We were interrupted by "boss" who was getting ready to leave

And I knew when he said "I'll take good care of your stuff" I had to believe 

So with a few signs of the pen and stickers galore

"Boss" turned and headed out the front door

I stood in disbelief and shook my little head

I knew I had to trust mom,  there was nothing to dread;

Mom turned and sighed and gave me a high five; 

We all survived!

Now load up the car with what's left in the fridge

We're taking it all to TLF every little last smidge

With a honk of the horn and the click of our belts;

we loaded the car but empty we felt 

Goodbye to our friends, our house and our park; 

Hello to sushi, Asia and a new start

Happy moving to all and to all a flight!