Christmas 1998: A Musical Minnesotan's Weather Report
(Sung to the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree")
No Christmas tree, No Christmas tree,
It's far too warm to have one.
No Christmas tree, No Christmas tree,
Record highs and lots of sun.

I'm wearing shorts at Christmas time,
Our heat wave here is so sublime.
No snow to fear or ice too near,
I kindly thank El Niño!

It is so sweet my nice warm feet,
No winter coat, it's time to gloat.
No Christmas tree, No Christmas tree,
I kindly thank El Niño!

Gayle M. Petty, St. Paul, MN

Let us all enable each other to live the lives we want to live for as long as we enjoy living them.

Sharla Smith, Minneapolis, MN

To freedom.
Let us toast not the American dream,
but the dreams of each American.

Amy Hyatt, Minneapolis, MN

Winter Enlightenment
To winter, ice and snow
Minnesota hearty, frigid soul.
Long shadows, sun dogs, short days
frozen footprints pass away.
Soundless black nights, skies of crystalline lights
hang in air too cold to breathe.
Stinging cold bites the flesh
numbs the body, dulls the wits,
awakens the witness in us all.

Joe Heck, St Louis Park, MN

I'd like to share the toast my brother made when my wife and I married. The text of the toast was framed; we didn't frame the original writing as it was writen while he drove between Fergus Falls and Henning, Minnesota, on a roller-coaster section of highway.

I thought it appropriate to share it as our youngest brother and his fiance just anounced their engagement.

"I would like you all to join me in toasting Steve and Angie, my older borther and my new sister, on entering the world of the wedded. Rember the one word our Moms' used more than any other when you began playing with Ryan and I, your younger brothers. Share. Even though Mom isn't there to remind you, always remmber to share. Share your hopes, your dreams, your ambitions, your successes, your failures, your familes and especially your whole selves. Be supportive in times of difficulty and take pride in your partner's accomplishments. I, along with all your fiends and family wish you all the prospertiy, health and happiness two people can share. Best of luck to you."

Steven and Angela Worner

A Post Toastie
To you a Merry Christmas,
a Happy Hanukkah,
and a New Year filled with
new beginnings,
second chances,
and no need of last resorts.

Kristen Mathisen, Shoreview, MN

A word to my fellow college students -
especially those in their first year...

May the ground pile up with snow,
and the sky fill up with sun.
I pray that we ace our exams,
and still have time to have fun.

Out of the dorm and good tidings,
as we long for our old niche.
Only to find that our things -
have been stuffed into the attic?!

As our mother's sweet voice,
explain to us soon -
That we'll now be sleeping,
in what is called the "computer room."

Rebekah Kik, Niles, MI

Holiday Haiku
Now, with the year's close
Keep close that which brings great joy
Singing to the skies.

Erika Foin, Saint Paul, MN

It's that time of year
My mind is consumed with fear

Once again I'm seeking cheer
Who will bring it to me this year?

Bring me love, bring me a gift
It's everyone's job to give me a lift

Since I was a teen it has gotten worse
Less people give, more people curse

Yet others are happy, almost glad to be living
What I can't explain is - they seem to be giving?

Mike Finn, Lake Elmo, MN

Heaven's Time
The future in a manger!
Let hell's seduction cease.
Our panic and our sorrow
Gives hope another lease.

Our noise and chaos fading,
He is our space invading.

Tomorrow in a baby!
Forgiveness in the straw!
We mute our crass commercials
And kneel in holy awe.

Mike Sherer, Minneapolis, MN