Subject: A Most Disturbing Encounter
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2002 19:06:40 -0600
From: "Chuck, Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix 01" <sonn@ubiteme.com>
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.vs.starwars



'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house

Not a peripheral stirred, not even my mouse;

The plastic was taped o'er the windows with care,

In hopes the 3M would keep out the cold air.



The children were nestled all snug on the couch,

While snuggled with Pooh and Oscar the Grouch;

And mamma in her slippers, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,



When out on the lawn there arose such a din,

I thought it was Darkstar trying to break in.

I ran to the door and I tossed it aside,

My axe in my hand; he had no place to hide.



When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.



I glanced at his face and it set me on edge,

A voice in my mind said "I know that visage.

"The beard long and white, and his ancient expression

"I knew who this is, oh yes, without question."



"For he walked with the elves who now work in his shop,

"And he can travel the world without needing to stop.

"To visit all of the children on Earth in one night,"

I knew in a moment this was Gandalf the White.



But then I saw shining atop his black glove,

A thing that was feared both below and above.

When his eyes met mine I noticed his glower,

For it was clear to me he'd fell to the One Ring of Power.



He knows when you are sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows when you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake.



I backed slowly away, consumed by my fear,

But then I noticed, on his cheek was a tear.

"Do not be afraid," he said most sincerly

"Please take but a moment to listen to me.



"I've taken the ring, yes, to keep this thing safe,

"Though it's a role I confess in which I now chafe.

"I have used the power in acts both great and generous

"But I can't give the ring, for to me it is precious."



And so I was left there with nothing to say

As the saddened old man now returned to the sleigh.

And I watched him take off, and what it portends,

Is we're all in deep shit, my denizen friends.



And so it does seem that doom will come to us all,

The evil that marches will be our downfall.

But for now while we're waiting for Gandalf the White,

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.


--
Chuck
"Try to explain to people that writing is something you do because it's
impossible not to, and you get blank stares."
- Peter David