I came across a poem in my readings entitled "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" by Henry Livingston, a roaring account of an old-fashioned Christmas Eve night. In the galaxy far, far away, some life-forms celebrated another, similar holiday called Life Day (usually Wookiees and their Honor Families). So I took it upon myself to write down my own version of this poem, from the point of view of the Galaxy's greatest heroes: Luke Skywalker
'Twas the Night Before Life Day
'Twas the night before Life Day, and all through Luke's flat;
Not a life-form was stirring - not even a womp rat.
Sand bindings were hung by the A/C with care,
In hopes that Kenobi soon would be there.
The droids were all charging, plugged into the wall -
I doubt they were having any visions at all.
And Luke, after a quick workspace sanitation,
Settled down for a long desert night's hibernation.
When out by the vaporators, there arose such a clatter!
Luke sprang from his sleep to see what was the matter...
Away to ground-level he ran like a rancor,
Tore up the stairs, and opened the door.
The moons on the surface of endless sand
Gave the luster of high-suns to most of the land.
When, who tho Luke's wondering eyes should appear?
An old Jedi Master, wise beyond years.
He ignited his lightsaber, and Luke knew just then -
This Jedi approaching must be Old Ben!
Slowly with grace, ever closer he came
Regaling old Masters, whom he called by name:
"Syfo-Dyas, old Qui-Gon, Lost Dooku and Kota;
Plo Koon and Kit Fisto, Mace Windu and Yoda -
Part of an Order who fought against Sith
In peace times and war times, but who knows what with?
"We fought with our peace, without fear or agression.
To do so would be a most fatal transgression.
During the Clone Wars, death took its course -
But cry not, my brother! There is only the Force!
"We fought 'cross the Galaxy, our forces spread thin,
Against Separatist droid armies - Were we going to win?
The Dark Side was clouding everything in the Senate.
This war should be stopped - But how should we end it?
"Chancellor Palpatine, now unveiled as Sith Lord,
Turned the Senate against us and made them his horde.
As Emperor, he added now into the mix,
A hateful new edict called "Order 66"
"Declaring each Jedi a menace and traitor.
From this darkness arose a new villain - Darth Vader!
He was Sith through-and-through, saw the Dark Side, No other.
On one of his rampages, Darth killed your father.
"An Empire rose, the Republic - no more.
To non-human species, Darth shut the door.
Headed by Sidious, this stark institution.
Do not give up Hope - There is a solution!"
With these words, Old Ben took out of his sack
A strange-looking, oblong shape sort of a pack.
"This was your father's, a great Jedi Knight,
I now give it to you on this before Life Day night."
Luke unwrapped the package and he was astonished -
To see an old lightsaber. Great condition! Untarnished!
At pressing "ignite," the blade woke with a hum.
Luke felt strangely comfortable with the deadly thrumm.
"But why?" The boy asked, "Why give this to me?
I am not a Jedi!" (Although he wanted to be.)
"Dear Luke," said the Master, "you're the Galaxy's last hope!
They're in the Pit of Carkoon and you'll throw them a rope!
"You have Skywalker blood, imbued with defiance.
I highly suggest you join the Rebel Alliance!
Just remember to visit one planet named Dagobah -
You'll go through Force-Training with wise Master Yoda."
"You mean I'll be a Jedi? Like my father before me?
I'll get off this dustball, all dry and sandstormy!
I'll go into space and become a great pilot!
Name any spacecraft - You name it, I'll fly it!"
The suns both had rose from below the horizon.
Day had begun, with temperatures rising.
The Master and Padawan said their good-byes
As billions of photons bombarded Tattooine skies.
Vaporators turned off, done their work for the night.
Thought Luke to himself, "I hope Kenobi is right."
As he started to tinker with Threepio and Artoo,
He heard the old Jedi say "May the Force be with You!"
(Picture by Ralph McQuarrie)
