New Year's Eve in Glittery Wood

"New Year's Eve in Glittery Wood"
A tale of the inhabitants of one particular garden center
and the secret life they lead, when the store has closed for the day.
By Deb Lambert

The wee folk come alive, as you may remember;
Here, gnomes celebrate the close of December.

All through the night, and when no one's looking,
Musicians tune up and the fun starts cooking.

Squeezing bluesy notes from each golden horn;
Risking the wrath of the conductor's scorn.

As the horn section wailed, he rendered an opinion;
Over all musicales, he had complete dominion.

Though he favored the classics, he had to admit,
Cool jazz and New Year's were a really good fit.

Now, the crowds drifted in for this practice session,

Then wound through the store in gala procession.

They checked the clocks at ten minutes of two;
Too early for the party - what should they do?

The gnomes made their way to the back of the store,
Before Christmas was gone and existed no more.

A perfect place to begin the party...
The crowd gathered 'round with cheers quite hearty!

They drove the conductor in a newfangled sleigh,
Midst the twinkling trees, as musicians held sway.

And Ben, the conductor, reviewed them once more,
As the jazz notes floated through the back of the store.

So, the crowd gathered 'round at the dress rehearsal,
Till Ben recommended their rapid dispersal.

"Off you go then - bring mittens and hood,
When we all meet up at Glittery Wood."

"The ball begins at exactly two;
The success of this fête depends on you."

Thermometers were consulted as time drew near,
No need for hoods or mittens, on this New Year!

In the wee hours of morning, the gnomes showed up;
For festivities promised... to drink and to sup.

O'er Glittery Wood the music lifted;
Among the trees, partygoers drifted.

Nick saw Nora, from the corner of his eye;
Asked her to dance... she demurred, seemed shy.

Then out broke a game of hide-and-seek;
Through the glittery boughs they tried to peek.

For Nick and Nora had wandered away;
Nick had something of import to say.

The gnomes gathered about in an intimate group,
To indulge in gossip - get the latest scoop.

"They're a charming couple, it's hard to deny!"
"Yes, maybe tonight she'll give a reply."

"Nick took so long to finally propose,
What shall she answer, do you suppose?"

"By the look of all the billing and cooing,
She seems not averse to his constantly wooing."

As Nick hummed along to a familiar tune,
He admired Nora, 'neath the pale, full moon.

Music hung in the air, it was a magical night;
And so Nick and Nora danced out of sight.

Now, the rest of the crowd need not have feared;
The couple were joyous, when next they appeared.

"Fill up your tankards with ale or mulled wine;
This tender, young lass has agreed to be mine."

Celebrations continued up until dawn;
Echoes lingered, long after they'd gone.

Revelers finally made their way home;
They idled and gossiped, like every good gnome.

So, nuptials were planned for early in spring,
Now that Nora was wearing Nick's ring.

Next time the moon is hung in the sky,

Or, midnight flakes are starting to fly...

Remember the gnomes who did what gnomes should...
Shared New Year's Eve in Glittery Wood.

Poetry & Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2009

Filmed on location, at Corliss Bros. Garden Center ~ Ipswich, MA.