Twas the night before splashtime
Twas the night before splashtime and all through the boat,
Every creature was hoping it might really float.
The lifelines were hung on the stantions with care,
In hopes that our Joe would not fall through the air.
The gelcoat was finished as smooth as a glass
While raindrops fell softly and beaded in mass.
And Mamma in her Slicker and Joe with a buffer
Had just finished up with a smile for each other.
When out on the drive arose such a clatter,
Joe banged his head and fell off the ladder.
Getting up off the ground Joe arose to the air,
Split open his pants and his neighbors did stare.
Joe's Moon in the light of the just melting snow,
Gave a luster not even his non-skid could show.
When , what to Joe's wondering eyes should apprear,
But a 20 ton crane backing, a truck in the rear.
With a little old driver, so livey and quick,
Joe knew in a moment it was not just a trick.
More rapid than eagles his courses they came,
and asked was it YOT Joe had given it's name?
Now up on the trailer and tuck in the Mast,
don't forget the rigging, just place it on last.
To the end of the driveway and out past the lawn,
Get the boat loaded and moving before it is dawn.
At the launch ramp Joe waited for the truck to arrive
feeling proud as a peacock and brimming with pride.
The Crane lifting, tugging and stretching it's cable,
Joe was not so sure that the crane was all able.
The boat hit the water and so all could see,
The boat was as pretty as any could be.
Joes, not chubby or plump but a right jolly elf,
He laughs at my jokes and even himself.
A wink from the rigger and a nod of the head,
Gave Joe a good feeling he had nothing to Dread.
Joe spoke not a word, but went straight to work,
he filled all the tankage, then turned with a jerk.
Laying his finger aside of this Nose,
And giving a nod, up the Mast he Rose.
He sprang to his Helm, to his crew gave a whistle,
And away they all sailed like a one-design Thistle.
But I heard him Exclaim, 'ere he sailed out of sight,
Thirty seven years later, it's better, IT'S RIGHT!!
Happy sailing Joe