Introduction

Ebenezer Scrooge was kindly ole soul.

Who gave to the poor houses every twenty-fifth of the month.

His generosity was known from Camden town to the center of the Queen’s court.

Every the astute and wealthy businessman pouring over the accountant books.

Paying his clock handsome wages for services rendered.

And he made it his endeavor that all merchants were treated fairly.

For all the merchants highly respected Ebenezer.

Greeting him with warm adulation.

Deeply sadden by his saintly partner Mr. Jacob Marley’s passing these seven Christmas ago.

Olde Ebenezer eagerly set up a children’s charity in Marley’s honor.

Which greatly helped Bob Cratchit’s son Tiny Tim from a dreadful fate.

Because of the endowment Tiny Tim was enabled with good health and a blessed life.

Blessings were showered upon Ebenezer since his early childhood.

Never being sent away to boarding school.

He enjoyed the privileges of a loving family life.

Along with is sister Fannie they have made merriment each and every Christmas holiday.

With family and friends galore.

Part One

One Christmas Eve while Ebenezer’s family was dreaming of the next morning’s trinkets and treats.

Ebenezer stayed in the study to ponder the holidays ahead of him.

The chimes started blaring loudly in Ebenezer’s head.

A ghostly sight of Marley waltzed through the doorway.

Thanking thee of the good that was done in thy honor.

“Many happy returns my dear man Ebenezer.

You have done thee proud.” Bellowed Marley.

“But wait I have some much to tell you my dear Marley,” exclaimed Ebenezer.

“Not now, Ebenezer! You will be visited by three saintly visions.

One at three o’clock, the other at four o’clock and the last one at five o’clock,” whispered Jacob.

Marley left just as he came in front facing the study room door.

Ebenezer thought to himself,” I wonder to which three it shall be?”

Part Two

The first bell tolled at the time of three o’clock.

Saint Margaret of Scotland appeared in her finest regalia.

Ebenezer was stunned to see such beauty before him.

As they took flight through out the streets of Camden town.

Showing all the love Ebenezer experienced.

“What a fine upbringing I commend your parents.

They showed you that honesty and kindness are the best policies.

I greatly admire your qualities as a chartable man.” Declared Saint Margaret.

“Thank you my good lady,” said Ebenezer.

In that instant when the bell tolled four o’clock she disappeared.

Part Three

In the kitchen Ebenezer could hear the sounds of a monk chanting a Latin hymn.

(Gaudete, Gadete Christos est natus Ex Maria virginae, Gaudete)

And beckoning Ebenezer to step through the Victorian doorway.

“Saint Bede,” declared Scrooge.

“Yes it is I, your next visitor.

Now sit here and listen over a pint of ale to the history of your attributes my kind sir,” said Bede.

“But why for I am yet your humble servant,” said Ebenezer.

“Hush my good man your humility and selfless service to the human kind.

Has won favor with God.

I don’t need to say anymore.

For my time is longer than most and yet I have much to attend to my good man,” exclaimed Bede.

And with those words Saint Bede left as quickly as he came.

Scrooge was stunned sitting in the dark of night.

Waiting for his next caller.

Part Four

As the final bell toll rang for five o’clock

A grand statesman came into view.

“I am your final caller, I am Saint Thomas Moore,” said the saint.

“Oh my word, I don’t know what to say,” said Ebenezer.

“ You need not to say much for I will do the speaking.

Ebenezer, you have extolled the virtues of a utopian world here on earth.

Your generosity has been so pleasing to our Lord.

That the moment of your passing, Saint Peter will open up the pearly white gates without question.

For you have been a model citizen on this planet, “ exclaimed Saint Thomas.

“ I am utterly speechless that the words can not escape from my lips.

I am eternally gratefully,” said Ebenezer.

“ There, there my good man the privilege of witnessing your life has been all mine.

You deserve all the goodness you have shown to others,” said Saint Thomas.

As the saint left in a hazy mist, Ebenezer cried tears of joy at the fact he created his own good fortune.

He paved the way of this life, by paving the way for others with success.

For his many returns were blessed with a life well lived.

That is all we can every wish for on this twenty-fifth day of December.

©

By Mary Anne Abdo

September 11, 2022

Author’s Note; I wrote this as a poetry prompt for Rattle Magazine’s weekly podcast. The prompt was to write about a beloved character in literature and to twist the character in the opposite direction of their personality. I have been a huge Charles Dickens fan since the age of six and I have read or own most of his books. Last year I had the privilege at Byer’s Choice in Pennsylvania to see his great-great grandson Gerald Dickens, perform “A Christmas Carol.” For me it was the performance of a lifetime.

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