01/02/2024
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the park; Many creatures were stirring, even a moose, (meece?) umm, moose;
Some pinecones were hanging from a tree with care, As a family of deer soon would be there (to eat the pinecones, obviously);
The marmots were nestled all snug in their burrows, while visions of Alan (or Steve) danced in their heads; AAALLLANN!!! And Mamma bear in her den, with two cubs nearby, had just settled down for a long winter’s nap. (You’re gonna have to hold it, kiddo.)
When out on the trail there arose such a clatter as the bears sprang from their sleep in hopes of a holiday dinner platter. Away to the window (bear dens can have windows, it was in their budget), they flew like a flash, soaring like the salmon and landing with a splash.
The moon reflected on fallen snow that gave the luster of mid-day to sleep-deprived bears below, When, what to the bear’s wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, err caribou. (Size is relative to the bear’s vision and how much the moon is reflecting against the snow. Also, the bears are more likely to see caribou in these parts. Science. Please do not question our geography.)
With a jolly park ranger, so lively and fast, the bears thought for a moment, “I thought had passed.” More rapid than eagles (most likely a hawk playing an eagle) as coursers they came, And he pointed, and shouted (shhhh!), and called them by name (the caribou, not the bears);
“Now, Sequoia! now, Rocky! Now, Boulders and Moose Jaw! On, Redwood! On Hoodoo! On, Parkie, and Terry!
Up to the hilltop, the caribou flew (like fast, not through the air.) With the sleigh full of brochures, and that park ranger too—Down the hill, they came with a leap and a bound. Dressed all in green, the hat brim so round,
The ranger spoke not a word, but went straight to the chore, Refilling the brochure case; before turning to the door, Another task done as the year comes to a close, And giving a slight nod, up the hill they rose;
But the bears heard them exclaim, as they drove out of sight,
GO BACK TO BED, and to all a good night!
📸: Full moon over Denali National Park and Preserve. NPS/Karnes
