FULL HOUSE

It was late one December at Firehouse 3,
As on top of the fire we placed a new log.
Chief gathered up boxes from under our tree,
Then summoned for Gustav and Maxwell, our dogs.

“I’m putting you youngsters to work,
We’ve received a new truckload of toys.
Take both of these boxes to 603 First,
For Matthew and Martin, two special young boys.”


As they walked down the street with their wagon of gifts,
“Gus, what’s the Dalmatian Foundation?”
“It’s how we bring help and new hope to His kids,
It’s sponsored each year by our station.”

Back at the base we were bulging with blessings
As a trailer arrived from our church.
So Chief under stress called for Fireman Preston,
“Please take these groceries to 306 First.”


Those hounds found their way through the town
And arrived at a wrought iron gate.
Then they walked through the manicured grounds
On a pathway that looped ’round a lake.

“Gus, are you sure he said 603 First?”
“Yep, it’s written right here on this box.”
Then the sound of a Steinway they heard
As they continued their way down the walk.


They passed by a penguin pond skating rink
And a narrow gauge steam engine train,
A runway with radar and strobe light strings,
As Santa Claus landed his plane.

And the Bama Academy Bugle Corps,
And the Jacksonville Jazz Band Quartet,
And the Mobile Bay Mustangs and Matadors,
And the Rockabye Island Rockettes.


Preston pulled up beside 306 First,
Where Matthew and Martin were playing outside.
Their parents with joy and thanksgiving did burst
When he gave them a turkey with stuffing and sides.

“Did your boys get the toys from our dogs?”
Then came a peculiar pause.
I wonder what’s taking so long ---
I hope that they didn’t get lost.


At 603 First, Gus knocked with his paw,
When a butler those dogs came to greet.
Then their jaws dropped in awe at the sight that they saw ---
6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, 12,000 square feet!

“Gus, I thought we brought toys to the needy
And kids who’ve got nothing but hand-me-downs …”
“Max, we’ll teach ’em the difference ’tween needy and greedy ---
They’re gonna be needin’ an ambulance!”


They flew through the foyer and sailed up the stairs,
And searched every hall of the house.
Rooms full of riches, yet no one was there,
But a man on a carat-lined couch.

Gus found it gloomy and downright depressing
How his houseloads had hijacked his heart,
When in came a call from young Fireman Preston,
As their cell phone burst forth with a bark.


“I need you at 306 First!
Come down here at once with your freight!
It’s south from the church, then left onto Birch ---
You’re terribly terribly late!”

They raced to the gate and they dashed down the street,
And arrived at the proper address.
“I’m sorry we’re late,” as they blamed it on Chief,
“You’d never believe where we’ve been!”


Gus found the boys and they opened their toys,
As an aroma arose from the kitchen.
“You’ve brought us such joy,” and she gave them no choice,
“You’re joining our family for dinner!”

The father was good at mechanics,
But was recently laid off from work.
“I’ve never seen Beagles so famished,”
As he brought out another dessert.


“Our station is starting a tech shop,”
As Preston sliced into his beef,
“We’re looking for someone to help us,”
Then he fired a phone call to Chief.

“Can you come by the station tomorrow?
My boss wants to give you a job.”
And as joy chased away all their sorrow,
“It’s surely a blessing from God!”


Then Max took them all by surprise
As the situation he promptly assessed.
He spoke like a dog thrice his size,
With wisdom you’d never have guessed.

“The first house had plenty but yet it was empty,
For it had no more room left for love.
The next house had less, but yet it was blessed,
With presents that flow from above.”


David J Allen
December 27, 2007


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