Twas The Night Before Christmas ...

And all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even my mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In the hopes St. Nicholas would find them there.

The puppies were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of doggie treats danced in their heads.

And me in my jammies, not wearing a cap,
Stretched out on the couch for a long night's nap.

When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash,
Tore open the door and tripped over the trash.
The moon, on the breast of the new frozen dew,
Gave the lustre of mid-day to the yard ... who knew?

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a little white goat ... Oh No!!  Oh Dear!!
With a mouthful of hay, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it wasn't St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his tiny hoofs came,
And he jumped on the table as I called him a name.
Now dash!!  Now Scoot!!  You crazy little goat,
As I headed inside to pick up my coat.

So up to the fence breach, the little goat he flew
With me following behind, my cold hands turning blue.
And then in a twinkling, I heard in the dark,
Prancing, pawing and little dog barks.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
Out the door two little dogs came with a bound.

Heading straight to the fence, they barked and they pranced,
Around and around the lost goat they danced.
All of a sudden, Showby came into view,
wild eyed and snorting, not knowing what to do!

The goats eyes were crazed and red like a cherry,
Running back and forth, it was pretty scary!!
He had a cute little face and a round little belly.
That shook when he ran like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly little elf
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.

A cry from his mouth and a twist of his head,
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He turned on a dime and went straight for the hole.
Finally back home, which was certainly my goal.

I replaced all the boards and nailed them down tight,
Gave Showby some grain and left on the light.

Back in the house, we're again settled down,
To await Santa Claus when he gets to our town.

As I closed my eyes, erasing the night's sight,
I swear the goat said Merry Christmas and good night!!