Karen Rokich Is Runner-Up in Clifton Library Writing Contest

Perhaps a patron at the Clifton Branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County asked about the reindeer that cavorted atop the library and Graeter’s buildings.  "Where," this nameless person may have queried, "did they really come from?" Maybe then the library’s Powers-That-Be realized that they didn’t have a really good story of origins for the landmark reindeer.

Or maybe not. Whatever the reason, the Branch held a writing contest for the best "Origins of the Reindeer" hypothesis. Our Chapter secretary Karen Rokich won a runner-up spot in that contest.

BTL extends congratulations to her and presents her winning entry below in its entirety.

Yoga Breathing Reins Deer

by Karen Rokich

Santa decided to attend a yoga class at the studio – It’s Yoga on Ludlow Avenue in Clifton.  As he was concentrating on his rhythmic breathing pattern, his imagination started to churn. With one exhalation, one reindeer safely landed atop the Ludlow Library.  With exhalation two, reindeer number two had a soft landing next to reindeer one.  With exhalation three, the third reindeer landed in front of reindeer one, near the edge of the building. 

Exhalation four was unique.  At the end of the exhalation, Santa cried, “Ha, Ha, Ha, He, He, He, Ho, Ho, Ho.”  After a somersault, reindeer four landed adeptly, chin and eyes pointed upward but atop the Greater’s Ice Cream building.

With exhalation five, reindeer number five settled next to reindeer number three.  With exhalation six, the sixth reindeer slid next to the second reindeer.  Reindeer number seven appeared in front of reindeer number six with the blink of Santa’s eye.  Reindeer eight side-stepped next to reindeer six again with the blink of Santa’s eye.  With exhalation seven, reindeer number nine slid star-styled in front of reindeer eight.

After another exhalation, Santa sighed, “Ho, Ho, Ho, Ha, Ha, Ha, He, He, He.”  This reindeer, named Hans, peaking his nose to the street, landed adroitly.  Santa blinked twice and two more reindeers landed…..now a dozen reindeer atop the library.

The thirteen reigning deer atop the library and Graeter’s are singing – Have safe travel and head over to the Esquire Theatre to see the Curious Case of Benjamin Button.