09/04/2026
‘Twas The Night Before Popcorn
A Parody by David Masciale
’Twas the night before popcorn, when all through the pack,
There was much excitement—because scouting was back.
The wagon and clipboard sat by the front of the door,
With dreams of kernels and caramel going door to door.
The Cub Scouts were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of popcorn danced in their heads.
With popcorn order forms tucked under one arm,
They dreamed of selling popcorn with considerable charm.
When out in the driveway there arose such a clatter,
The Cubmaster sprang up to see what was the matter.
He dashed to the window and looked with delight—
A popcorn delivery truck had arrived that night!
The moon on the tops of the popcorn lids
Made them shine like the greatest of Scouting kids.
And what to his wondering eyes should appear,
But boxes of popcorn—enough for a year!
With a little Cub Scout driver, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment popcorn sales would be slick.
More rapid than eagles, the Cub Scouts they came,
And the Cubmaster shouted and called product by name:
“Now, CARAMEL! Now, CHEESE! Now, POPPING CORN, too!
On, CHOCOLATE! On, BUTTER! There’s popcorn for you!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now sell it! Sell it! Sell it all!”
And then, in a twinkling, they heard on the street
The sound of a Scout yelling, “Popcorn’s a treat!”
As I turned from the window and started to run,
A Cub Scout came knocking, ready for fun.
He was dressed in his uniform, neat as could be,
With badges and beltloops from his head to his knee.
A stack of popcorn in his wagon was ready to go,
And he looked like a Scout with product ready to show.
His eyes—how they sparkled! His smile was so bright!
His popcorn was stacked to incredible height!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And he shouted, “Who wants some? I’ve got more to go!”
He had a big bag of popcorn thrown on his back,
And he looked like a merchant who’d mastered the knack.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled up an order with a grin and a smirk.
Then giving a cheer and a wave to the Pack,
He headed back out with more popcorn to track.
But I heard him exclaim as he walked out of sight:
“Happy popcorn selling to all, and to all a good night!”
