Merry Christmas from the Geese, 2010 Edition

I wrote this poem in December of 2007 on the spur of the moment, and decided that this will be an annual event for me. I send this out to everyone of my readers(all three of you), as well as my family who are scattered across this country.

Christmas In Montebello, or A Visit from the Christmas Geese

'Twas the day before Christmas,

And all through the town,

People were shopping and running around.

Last-minute gifts were purchased with haste,

Not wanting a moment to go to waste.

And around our little home, Mom was finishing up,

Wrapping the presents and gifts and stuff.

Dad was busy, getting many things done,

Prepping for their El Paso trip, still yet to come.

And Tommy, My brother, stopped in for a bit,

Taking a break from his work because he saw fit.

And Myself, what did I do, you say?

I waited for sundown to come this way.

For still to be finished were the lights 'round the big tree,

Putting the final touches for all to drive by and see.

The full moon, how it glowed brightly on the river below,

shimmering as the Canadian geese honked and glided along, oh so slow.

The cars slowed down as they drove through the night,

Looking in awe as I made things right.

And Out on the lawn I gave out a shout,

"Mom, Dad, Tommy, You gotta come out!"

My family came running, thinking something's gone wrong,

But what they found was Me dancing and singing a song.

They watched as I danced and placed the last of the lights,

My breath easily seen on this cold winter's night.

"What's wrong?" said Dad "You give us a fright."

Mom just looked and laughed as I continued my flight.

Tommy looked down, embarrassed to see,

How graceful a quarter-ton Hippo like me could be. (I kid, I'm not THAT big)

When, from the spreading grounds, there came an incredible sound,

As gaggles of geese made landings all around.

We listened and watched as they crossed through the moon,

Their wings, opened wide, their calls all in tune.

Below them, their cousins answered their call,

As they glided onto the water, to come together one and all.

We stood there, all quiet, on the bank above,

Watching as Nature played a Winter song of love.

But, before long, it was time to go inside,

After all, none of us really had a winter-proof hide.

So we gathered round a burning Yule Log,

And listened as the Geese scared off the fog.

And so, let Me say, as I crawl under the sheets.

"Merry Christmas to all, but beware of cold feet."

Merry Christmas everyone, from Me and the family.

Please enjoy A Currier & Ives Christmas

Big Tony's Touts, Southeast Division, Playoffs Edition, Semifinals

Wow, what a week for quarterfinals. I had almost no mistakes, save for my unwavering love of my Alma Mater, who finally fell to Carson. This week, we’re at the Semi-Finals which means even less games to go. So once again, the City Section divisions and the Southeast are going to be combined once more. A reminder, the City’s Division II Finals will be held on Friday December 10, 2010 at East LA College’s Weingardt Stadium at 7p.m., while the Division I Finals will be held at the Coliseum on Saturday December 11, at 1 p.m.

Nothing left to say but, let’s take the cheese…

CITY FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

All Semi-Finals, Friday, 7 p.m.

Division I

#5 Taft (9-3) at #1 Carson (10-2)

MATCHUP: This is a battle between two top quarterbacks, Taft’s Michael Bercovici and Carson’s Justin Alo. Bercovici has the upper hand, stat-wise, currently averaging 294.5 passing yards per game, compared to Alo’s 168.3 yards per game. The Colts had their hands full against a Garfield squad who nearly knocked off the top seed before a couple of mistakes cost the Bulldogs the opportunity to advance, but the Toreadors dispatched the Dorsey Dons without much of a sweat. The winner of this game will have the best chance at knocking off Crenshaw.

Prediction: Carson 38, Taft 35 (OT)

Division II

#9 Fairfax (8-3-1) vs. #4 Arleta (11-1) at Monroe (tentative)

MATCHUP: The Lions are looking to reach the Finals and play for their third championship in school history. The Mustangs want another shot at a title, like two years ago. Senior running back Matt Bowen is less than 60 yards from breaking 2,000 yards for Fairfax, while the arm of Javy Lopez is keeping Arleta alive, much to the consternation of the multitude of baseball scouts who fear his pitching arm is in jeopardy. The winner is going to be the early favorite to win next Friday at East LA College.

Prediction: Fairfax 38, Arleta 34

CIF Southern Section, Southeast Division Semifinals (VII)

#1 West Covina (11-1) vs. Mayfair (8-4) at Bellflower, Friday

MATCHUP: So far, the Bulldogs haven’t been challenged much in the tournament. That’s about to change. The Monsoons have been relying on Jason Logologo for a lot of their ground work. He was the reason the Indians are sitting home tonight instead of playing West Covina. But don’t think that the Monsoons are going to be a pushover. Back before the playoffs started, my colleague, Eric Sondheimer, predicted that the Monsoons could be the dark horse that can bring down the monsters of the Hacienda.

Prediction: Mayfair 41, West Covina 38 (OT)

#2 La Serna (11-1) at Bonita (11-1), Saturday, 7 p.m.

MATCHUP: All right, I’m finally convinced of La Serna’s “Destiny” to reach the finals, but they have two more hurdles to overcome. First, they have to put to rest the “Smudge Pot Mojo” that has sustained the Bearcats all year. I know people are tired of hearing me say this, so don’t worry, a Bonita loss and the talk goes away. However, Coach Eric Podley isn’t ready to give up a shot at a title. This is the big one, Elizabeth.

Prediction: La Serna 38, Bonita 31