Some months, there are moments of inspiration, and my editorial comes easy. Other months, not so much. Thankfully, we have a witty and talented editor, Cally Peterson, who can produce a writeup on a dime.
’Twas the night before deadline, when all through my head,
Not a wee thought was stirring. Shall I just go to bed?
The pages were placed by our editor with care,
In hopes this editorial soon would be there…
The linemen were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of trophy bucks danced in their heads.
And, Mama, what’s a ’kerchief? SHOOT, I HIT THE ALL-CAP(S)!
Can I just settle my brain to finish this rap?
When out in the lot there appeared such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Peered over the white stuff, (This man can still dash!)
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a black SUV, mud covered the rear,
With a tall North Dakotan, walking slowly, not quick,
I knew in a moment the ice must be slick.
More rapid than ever, the sweat beads they came,
As she neared, and shouted, and called out my name:
“Now, Kramer! Now, Kramer! Now Kramer, yes, you!
I’m needing that editorial now. Yes, I do!”
She was bubbly and smiling, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when she said so, in spite of myself.
A wink of her eye and the droop of my head,
This must be the feeling of existential dread.
She spoke not a word, but went straight to work,
And whipped out this poem, now I feel like a jerk.
Asking for help is OK, I suppose,
And giving a nod, to this piece of prose.
…But I heard her exclaim, as it came into sight –
“We did it again, the word count’s just right!”
– by Cally Peterson
Wishing you a merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Josh Kramer, editor-in-chief of North Dakota Living, is executive vice president and general manager of NDAREC. Contact him at jkramer@ndarec.com.
