TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

It is time for my annual Twelve Days of Christmas, a musical ditty that has fascinated me since childhood. In some ways it is a boring round type song, but the gifts fascinate me, especially so many birds; yet the 8th round introduces humans with maids a-milking and a large mammal-cows.

Another audio-visual appears at the end of this post.

The Twelve Days of Christmas (12 Days of Christmas)

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

There are a few variations in the rounds, i.e., calling birds are colly birds in some versions; round 10-12 may be rearranged. Numerous parodies have also been penned, as well as letters from recipient of true love's gifts.

So this year I thought I dream up a similar ditty for the unique state, Arkansas, in which I live. Instead of repetition, I'll list the twelve gifts.

1. One eagle nesting in a pin-oak tree.

2. Two wood-peckers

3. Three wild turkey hens

4. Four mourning doves

5. Five golden fishing lures

6. Six leghorns a-laying

7. Seven bass a-swimming

8. Eight fiddlers a-fiddling

9. Nine Arkies a-clogging

10. Ten hunters of deer a-leaping

11. Eleven Arkies' Dulcimers a-strumming

12. Twelve festival -participants with mobile outhouses  a-parading

I would add another: American Flags a-flying and Patriots a-serving. I have lived several places and see more flags, at least where I am living, than any other place. As a whole we are proud to be Americans, yet very independent in thinking. yet respectful of our differences--not unlike many other areas of our country. With sorrow , deepest respect, and unspeakable thankfulnesss near wordless, we have buried our share of patriots who gave the ultimate sacrifice; also those who continue to served, and those who made it a career and retired in service to our country.

I know-somewhat amatuerish--I bet Jinksy of Napple Notes could whip out a better rendition in far less time.

An interesting fact I heard recently i'n this overtly political season with resounding overtures drowning out the reason for the season:'  Of our entire US population, 97% have never run for office to serve their fellow citizens. I am pleased to have been part of the 3%. However, I fully understand why so few choose public service.

Audio-Visual - YOU TUBE:

#1- Mormon Tabernacle Choir; #2 - John Denver and The Muppets