‘Twas the night before rafting, and all through the gorge
The waves were a’crashing in rapids so large.
The moon in the sky, so big and so bright
Shone down on whitewater that cold winter’s night.
Christmas Lights
There were no hoots and hollers from summertime rafters
No raft videos playing at big party-afters.
The only things stirring along the New River
Were birds in their nests from the occasional shiver.
When out of the West Virginia sky did appear
A 4×4 sleigh pulled by eight whitetail deer.
Santa pulled into Songer, and jumped out while laughing,
“I been workin’ all night… I wanna go raftin’!”
The Songer guides all were asleep in their beds
While visions of Pillow Rock danced in their heads.
Santa yelled, “Load the boats! We need to go fast!”
And the guides replied, “Santa, we’ll freeze off our… um… it’s going to be really cold.”
Cried Santa, “No matter if the rapids are cold!
I’m ready to paddle- I’m from the North Pole!”
So they ran the great river in the freezing cold night
(The deer almost flipped at Suckers Go Right).
Santa said, “That was cool! Can the elves come ride soon?”
The guides said, “Well, most kids don’t come until June.”
“That blows,” cried the big man. He said, “What a bummer,
That the whole world waits to go rafting ‘til summer.”
“Well,” said the guides, “Just give rafting for later,
Everyone loves the summer- don’t be such a hater.”
Said Santa, “Gift certificates? For Songer? For fun?
I can give this whole rafting experience to someone?”
“Well, that would be awesome as something to give,
Those people would thank me as long as they live!”
Said the guides, “Not just rafting- ATV riding, too,
And biking and climbing- everything that we do!”
Santa laughed as he took off up over the ridge
And flew underneath the New River Gorge Bridge
So if you find Songer in your stocking this season,
You’ll know Santa’s first rafting trip was the reason,
And remember this rhyme, no matter how far you roam:
Merry Christmas to all! Go big or go home!
Tags: Adventure Vacations, gift ideas, New River Gorge, New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting, West Virginia Whitewater Rafting