Turn of the Scrooge

We hold dear the old story of how
Out of fear Mr. Scrooge made a vow.
But by end of December
He'd wise up and remember
Just as near the grim reaper is now.

If he's newly redeemed, that's just great.
He will duly embrace mortal fate.
But in most adaptations
His pro-Christmas orations
Are more truly a case of Scared Straight.

Donald B. Benson


Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (Abe Levitow; 1962). Inspired by the observation that Magoo and many other Scrooges, in the end, do appear more worried about not dying than about mankind or anything else.