TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE GOLF OUTING

Twas the night before the outing, when all through the course, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The golf carts were parked by the clubhouse with care, in hopes that clear weather soon would be there.
The golfers were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of skins and birdies play in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled our brains for a long Summer’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen dew Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a mysterious man came near
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be my golf partner.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!” Now Nike! now, Calloway! now, Taylormade and Ping! On, Titelist! On, Slazenger! on, Cleveland and Maxfli!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the fairway- top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and My golf partner too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the green. The prancing and pawing of each little swing.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the fairway my partner came with a bound.
He was dressed all in golf attire, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with dirt and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And tees up his drive, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the cart path he rose!
He sprang to his cart, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, “Happy outing to all, and to all a good-night!”