(With apologies to Henry Livingston Jr., who actually wrote the original, not Clement Moore. P.S. This IS fiction.)
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
All the creatures were tucked in, including the mouse
All their stocking were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that Santy Paws and Santa Claws soon would be there
I, in my fur-coated nightgown, and Paw in his slightly chewed cap
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap
After fighting the cats and dogs for a place in our bed
And giving up comfort for a foot-warming crowd
When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter
That I threw off the dogs and rose to see what was the matter
On the way to the window I tripped on a cat and crashed
Picked myself up, soothed poor kitty and finally opened the sash
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
The bird-feeder was still full, and the yard was now clear
The snowman's carrot nose was gone, from the tracks it was deer
So I turned with the thought of returning to bed
But the animals had all filled my place instead
The bird in the other room, awakened by the noise
Had decided it was morning and was calling for his toys
So I sang him back to sleep, he finally nodded his head
And I tried once again to return to my bed
One cat had decided that if I was up
He might as well beg for food, but finally gave up
I, now awake, glanced over toward the poor Christmas tree
And replaced the few unbroken ornaments, no glass balls for me
I then, with thoughts of sleep filling my head
Headed back to my bedroom, and bed
My spot was filled with animals, sleeping so innocently
That I felt bad as I shoved them over to try to make a spot for me
Well, the dog stepped on the cat's tail, she yowled, he fled
And Pa woke when, in fleeing, the cat ran across his head
So I, now frustrated, said "Okay, everybody OUT!
And they all looked so hurt as they slunk down and out
But I knew as soon as I settled down and got to sleep
They'd all know, and back onto the bed they would creep
I told them all the fuss and all that noise
Had probably scared away Santa and his stack full of toys
And if they were really good, for the rest of the night
Then maybe he'd come back, maybe he might
And for a moment the house was all quiet and calm
The moonlight through the window shone off the snow on the lawn
And the animals all curled up in their own little beds
With dreams of new toys and treats dancing in their heads
Made me smile for a moment, as I crawled back to sleep
Still the house was peaceful, from the critters - not a peep
And everything, suddenly reminded me what a blessing they were
And a pillow isn't a pillow without at least a little extra fur
As I settled in to sleep, and pulled the covers down tight
I whispered "Merry Christmas, all you animals, and to all a good night!"
[This message has been edited by Karen (edited December 25, 2000).]
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