Quite confusing to tell who held sway
‘Til Napoleon blew it away
But before that bad luck
When Pope Leo crowned Chuck
People knew who the boss was that day

Event: Charlemagne is crowned the first Holy Roman Emperor
Year: 800
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlemagne

First he gave the Mouse King a fine smacking
Sent the whole rodent army a-packing
Then he whisked off the girl
Gave the sweet world a whirl
You could say his performance was . . . cracking

Event: The Ballet The Nutcracker premieres
Year: 1892
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nutcracker

Even after great financial loss
It was liquor, not Bill, that was boss
‘Til in bed late one night
He saw a brilliant light
And he knew he could give up the sauce

Event: Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, has the final drink of his life
Year: 1934
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_W.

Just what happened to Mary Celeste?
There were no signs of struggle–no jest!
And the cargo retained
But no soul there remained
And their fate now can only be guessed

Event: The Dei Gratia discovers the merchant brigantine Mary Celeste, still sailing toward her intended destination but with her entire crew missing
Year: 1872
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Celeste