Thanks to Robert Chambers from Houston, who offered this with humble and profuse apologies to Clement Clarke Moore. Nothing like a wee bit o' gallows humor to get one through a long and stormy night....
Twas the day before Ike came and all through the house,
every creature was stirring, right down to the mouse.Daughters did laundry and many dishes did clean,
while outside I load tested the generating machine.With great care we drew up good water to drink,
in to a large ice chest placed next to the sink.Provisions to sustain us did fill up the pantry,
with canned meat and fruit, and of course, coffee!As the day drew to nightfall our efforts were steady,
so that when morning dawned we knew we'd be ready.As the wind started blowing and many were going,
we decided to stay, even if it meant rowing.The newsmen donned raincoats and proceeded to blather,
each of them hoping to be like Dan Rather.Come Sunday our Houston will be quite a sight,
so good luck to all, and to all a good Ike!
