The following was written by Delmer A Burton on Christmas Eve 1951. There had not been any activity with the outside world since the latter part of November 1951 and the only contact with civilization was via morse code.
Ode to Christmas Eve
T’was in Labrador site 29, in the year of 51
December 22nd and the mail plane had not come
The boy, a usual happy group numbering 40 strong
Were not so quick with a twist of wit
of a cheerful hearty song.
For the plane which was to arrive that day
was not just overdue, but was scheduled
to come for two weeks gone
and Christmas mail bring through.
Now a message short came in by morse
and here’s what it did say
Sorry we cannot land a plane,
Best Wishes for Christmas Day.
Now our super in an angry mood
to this note did reply strong
Wishing them a civilized Christmas
and good food all year long.
For our own food store had a wolf at the door
and our fresh meat card read nil
We had naught but Spam and cold canned ham
our bellies for to fill.
But now it is the twenty third
We hear a joyous hoot
For word has come that they will drop
the mail by parachute.
Now some folks say this is good news
but others say t’is bad
Cause no mail out to loved ones home
will make their Christmas sad.
It gets lonely out in this great north land
where we are so all alone
Watching each day for a plane that may, per chance
bring news from home.
The days go by grow into weeks
comes Yuletide time of the year
And our hopes sink low as the minutes go
and the plane does not appear.
But now it is the 24th
our days work it is done
and each ray of hope has faded
with the setting of the sun.
Oh, some where hearts are happy
and children’s hopes are bright
as they hand their Christmas stockings
cause Santa comes tonight.
Mailbags are near
bursting with greetings to and from
But there is no joy at 29
The mail plane did not come.
Updated: July 30, 2002