A Visit from St. Tobias

[Jordan1921 373]

Amid the hustle and bustle of Tuvmas Day, those with time to look at posts and noticeboards see a small red flier with a poem written on it. The flier reads: 

 

 

A Visit from St. Tobias by Calan Stahl-Elendil

A poem dedicated to the Imperial Palace of Augustine, and to my newly retired father Jonah Stahl-Elendil. 

---

‘Twas the night before Tuvmas, when all through Augustine
The servants, staff, and residents went through their routine
Servants sang songs whilst wreaths they hung 
They roasted chestnuts that were hot on the tongue
Of the palace children, their eyes aglow 
From how Tuvmas lights shone on snow 
Good gifts and treats they did aspire
For this they wore their best attire
And acted on their best behavior 
Hoping their parents would come be their saviors
But the soft sound of the winter night
Ended with a crash that put the kids affright 
Servants searched all corridors 
For any trouble, they even searched on all fours
But nothing was found out of place or habit
Besides a child’s favorite plush rabbit 
Then a noble opened the dining room doors

 

Out from that room came light in scores
For St. Tobias crashed his sled
With a boom, a strike that gave all dread
But once the children saw 
They rushed in with awe
For the tables were covered in goose, turkey drizzled with gravy
And potatoes, carrots, and peas with butter sauce wavy 
But the true sight worth note
Was St. Tobias, whose belly did bloat 
Under his brown robes, he was very austere 
He smiled and winked to onlookers before snapping at his deer
Whoosh went his red carriage 
To give to good Canonists homes bound by marriage

 

But all through the Palace
Residents raised their chalice 
To great St. Tobias, a giving monk so pious 
That he gives to all without bias
So remember your family, no matter they bicker or boast 
And remember the servants, give them a toast 
And all good Canonists deserves a cheer
On this, a most wonderful new saints year 

[Mannyy 982]

Casper plucks a flier and reads with an arched brow. "The children of Providence will love this!" he'd exclaim, going to file it away in one of his drawers.