LUTEFISK


Twas the day before Christmas
With all things abustle
As Mama got set for the Christmas Eve tussle.

Aunts, uncles and cousins would soon be arriving.
With stomachs all ready for Christmas Eve dining.
While I sat alone with a feeling of dread
As visions of Lutefisk danced in my head.

The thought of the smell made my eyeballs start burning.
The thought of the taste set my stomach to churning.
For I’m one of those - who good Swedes rebuff
A Scandahuvian boy who can't stand the stuff.

Each year, however, I play at the game,
To spare Mama and Papa the undying shame.
I must bear up bravely, I can't take the risk
Of relatives knowing I hate Lutefisk

Then out in the yard I heard such a clatter;
I yumped up to see what was the matter.
There in the snow, all in a yumble,
Three of my uncles had taken a tumble.
My aunt, as usual, give them what for,
And they soon were up and in through the door.

Den from out of the kitchen an odor came stealing
That fairly set my senses to reeling.
The smell of Lutefisk crept down the hall,
And wilted a plant in a pot on the wall.

The others reacted as though they were smitten,
Though the aroma laid low my small helpless kitten.
Uncle Oscar and Lars said, "Oh, that's yummy"-
And Kermit said, "That's good for the tummy".

And then. “Dinner time” said Mama, ringing a bell;
They rushed to the table with a whoop and a yell.
I lifted my eyes to heaven and sighed,
And a rose on the wallpaper withered and died.

--2-
With legs full of lead I found my chair
And sat in silence with unseeing stare;
Most of the food was already in place,
There remained only to fill the Lutefisk’s space.

Then Mama came proudly with a bowl on a trivet,
You would have thought the crown jewels were in it.
And Mama lifted the cover on the steaming dish;
And I was face to face with that quivering fish.

"Me first" I heard Uncle Kermit call,
While I watched the paint peel off the wall.
The plates were passed for Papa to fill;
I waited in agony between fever and chill.
He would dip in the spoon and hold it up high;
It oozed onto the plates - I thought I would die.

Then came my plate and to my fevered brain,
There seemed to be enough Lutefisk to derail a train.
With butter and cream sauce I tried to conceal it;
I salted and peppered, but the smell would reveal it.

I drummed up my courage - I tried to be bold;
Mama said, "Eat it before it gets cold".
I decided to face it, "Ufda", I sighed;
"Ufda, indeed", my stomach replied

Then I summoned that resolve for which us Vikings is known,
My hand took the fork, as with a mind of its own.
When with reckless abandon that Lutefisk I ate.

Uncle Kermit flashed me an ear to ear grin,
As butter and cream sauce dripped from his chin.
Then to my great shock he whispered in my ear,
“I'm sure glad that's over for another year.”

It was then that I learned the great and wonderful truth
That Swedes and Norwegians from old men to youth,
Must each pay their dues to have such great joy
Of being known as a good Scandahuvian boy.

So for all of you as you face the great test,
Happy Christmas to you and to you all my best.