Downtown Edgartown began looking a bit like Christmas weeks ago when wreathlike green loops appeared on the white picket fences at Hob Knob Inn and Tomassian & Tomassian law offices. Soon after, Santa began standing sentry in faux Doc Martens by Edgartown Hardware and evergreen spriggery sprouted in Soigne’s windows.
In Tisbury town on Church street, the traffic all was stuck So those who’d gone on shopping sprees were clearly out of luck. They grumped and groaned and left their cars, And some among them longed for bars Though they could find right many a snack, To soothe frayed tempers, but — alack — There was no wine or beer for sale, Only soft drinks like ginger ale. Since by one vote the town decreed It did not want — it did not need Drinks alcoholic in the town That for sobriety is renowned.
At the Animal Shelter of MV The dogs were barking with great glee, And the cats were purring to beat the band, For they sensed, in the air, that something grand Was about to happen — to bring delight To all Martha’s Vineyard, which is right. In the sky above, they sniffed reindeer Getting ready to land and to bring good cheer Not only to shelter dogs and cats And gerbils and guinea pigs and pet rats In need of homes and loving care, But Island humans would get their share Of gifts from the sleigh in the air on high
West Tisbury’s Mill Pond was all white; The snow on the cattails a pretty sight. The mallards were swimming up and down. A wood duck, too, was visiting town, And hooded mergansers were having their day While in their incredibly stately way Babette and Romeo — that elegant pair Of swans that assuredly add such flair To Mill Pond waters were cruising about Enjoying a breakfast, without a doubt, Of cornbread supplied by Jenkinson, Joan, Who looks after the swans all on her own Because they make such a picturesque sight