'Twas the night before garbage pickup

'Twas the night before garbage pickup when we we returned from the bash

My lovely bride reminded me to, "Take out the trash."

Since Christmas had happened merely a day before,
there were many bags (and dirty diapers) waiting nearby the door.

The clock approached midnight as I collected our waste,

In my party clothes and fancy shoes I moved with great haste.

Finally after much laboring the project was complete
our rubbish sat in three cans waiting collection by the street.

We went to sleep confidently knowing Rumpke would obey
and pick up our scraps from the previous 7 days. 

I looked to see if they'd collected from the door,

and unfortunately things were the same as before.

Three cans still remained there occupying space

and a frown settled down on the front of my face.

I called the computer at Rumpke Trash & Recycling

and listened intently to their prompt little recording

The message told me they'd be by the next day.

They simply delayed because of the holiday.

My wife asked if they'd come by on Saturday side,
I told her that wouldn't happen in a voice with much pride.

I pulled the containers back as it looked rather bleak,

because I knew they'd be overflowing by early next week

That evening I went to sleep, dozed off in my bed

as visions of garbage monsters danced in my head

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had been sleeping like bears in a long winter's nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

When, what to my wondering eyes should I see,
But a Rumpke Truck. I thought, "Yipee!"

Away to the garage I flew like a flash,
Tossed on my pants and gathered the trash.

I ran down the driveway without even a cap
hoping I could beat this driver collecting crap.

Uncertain if he was recycling or plain old collection,

Grabbing the biggest can that I could was my decision.

As the last can was collected and placed at its station,

the driver pulled up without much tribulation.

It was hard to make out any details in the dark,

But he worked lively and quick like a small hot spark.

He said, "Mornin' buddy" in a voice that was sweet,

Then I realized I was wearing no shoes on my feet!

The cans were tossed into the truck as quick as a wink,

And it seemed he delighted in his job, I think.

As he drove off with my rubbish nearly out of sight,

I heard him exclaim, "Hey buddy!  Set it out at night!"