View From The Sidelines
’Twas the night after press time, when all through the shop,
Not a keyboard was clicking, not even a pop.
The pages were proofed and sent off with great care,
In hopes that no typos would suddenly glare.
The stories were stacked from the front to the back,
From board meetings, ballgames, to one missing cat.
The headlines were set, the photos all placed,
The deadline was met — by a hair — as we raced.
The hot chocolate was cold, the trash nearly full,
The printer had groaned like a stubborn old mule.
I leaned back and sighed, gave the office a glance,
Another week finished — another close dance.
When out in the hallway there rose such a cheer,
I sprang from my chair — but it was just the kids, I fear.
They were waiting at home, pajamas and all,
Wondering when Dad would finally call.
With the paper now done and the presses at rest,
I shut down the lights and zipped up my vest.
No more emails. No more late-breaking news.
No more rewriting stories I wanted to use.
The paper would land in mailboxes by morn,
Folded just right, with the corners a bit torn.
Some would skim headlines, some read every word,
Some would circle their name — “Hey, look! I was heard!”
But tonight was for family, laughter, and cheer,
For toys on the floor and kids climbing my ear.
For stories at bedtime and prayers said slow,
For moments that matter more than we know.
So as Christmas draws near and the year starts to end,
I’m grateful for readers, coaches, and friends.
But most of all grateful when press time is done,
And I get to go home — just Dad — not “the one.”
So, here’s to the readers, near and afar,
And here’s to small papers — just being who we are.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night…
At least until next week — when we do it again, right?
Rick Holtz is one of the co-owners of the Nance County Journal. Read his column each week in the newspaper and on the website.