With all of the hype and turmoil of the recent state Senate District 27 race, I'm counting my blessings.

Precisely, I'm glad I'm not running for public office.

Yet, I'm sure all of us could use a little clarity on this issue.

So let's fast forward about a month, take a peek into the crystal ball and see what's going to happen come Dec. 24.

'Twas the night before Christmas and questions remain,

About who in Senate District 27 would finally reign.

Since the confusion started more than a month ago,

Two folks and their lawyers have stolen the show.

The challenger had taken the seat away

And was fighting like mad, as she wanted to stay.

So Grace Schwab's fight went to a court of law,

But Dan Sparks wasn't about to settle for a draw.

He wanted to win, to reclaim the seat

For the DFL, who two years ago, was beat.

Sparks was ready to take on any test,

And Schwab vowed she would still give her best.

The trial started and accusations were flying,

About what vote should count -- there was lots of whining.

There was not a hanging chad to be found.

But numerous questions began to abound.

Like where did 17 ballots go? And were they missed?

Even though they ended up somewhere in the abyss.

Nowhere to be found, not even a trace,

Which only added confusion to this race.

The court braced its decision on the testimony heard,

But many present thought the ruling was absurd.

It would come down to a coin toss, a game of chance.

And whoever was the winner was likely to dance

All day and night, likely until dawn,

A hard-fought contest was finally won.

The victor wasn't worried what the other thought,

Hard work and persistence is what had been wrought

From this marathon of an election that was finally over.

No more smiling and taking pictures with pets named Rover.

It was time to move on, to be a senator.

For District 27, there could be none better.

And who won this contest, this closely-won battle?

Which seemed to test each candidate's mettle?

It was the one whom voters wanted to represent them,

Which is truly the way how someone should win.

So if there's a lesson learned, it should be to vote.

You never know how much a ballot can count

To the winner of a race with so much a stake.

We've learned a few ballots, much heartburn it can make.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at dan.fields@austindailyherald.com