To the editor:'Twas the days before Christmas, and all through the county

Deputies were anticipating their promised new bounty.

The voters had spoken, and from all we could tell

A promise was a promise until the Grinch said, "Promise, hell!"

Day one of the New Year will begin the new tax

The people will pay, and they won't be lax.

But the commissioners say it will be three months' time

Before the county collects those first dimes.

Poorer counties all 'round this great state

Envy the reserves of the county of Cape.

We could tap those reserves and do our deputies right

If only the county Grinches weren't so tight.

The new taxes are coming and soon will be here

And can pay back the reserves the Grinches hold dear.

For their hard work for low pay it only seems right

To say "Merry Christmas, deputies, and to all a good night."

MIKE BUCHANAN, Cape Girardeau