Christmas2004

'Twas the night before Christmas, on Driftwood Creek Road

Not a critter was stirring, not even a toad;

The leashes were hung in the closet with care,

Dog brushes were washed and were wiped clean of hair;

The Parsons were nestled so snug on my bed,

I was surely surprised and thought they were dead;

So I grabbed my Merlot for my healthy “night cap”,

And wondered aloud “Just where will I nap?"

When out on the road there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Slipped on a dog bone– gave my leg quite a gash.

My shin was quite bloody, I stubbed my big toe

Fell out on the deck and made quite a show,

Regained my composure -- wiped at my tears.

"Come on in here and have a few beers!”

My friend she had brought me a pup who was “pick”

of a litter of eight – and boy was she slick!

She knew I would love her and surely exclaim!

"I just have to have her – can I give her a name?”

“I’ve Casper, and Dotti, and Missy, and Brandy,

“I’ve Moose, and I’ve Abby, Caliopi and Candy,

“I’ve Sky and I’ve Barry – and the labs to play ball,

“The labs they are 5, so I’ve 15 in all.”

I knew my friend knew when she heard me sigh,

That I just had to have her or I surely would die,

So down the staircase to the front door I flew,

After grabbing my wine, robe, and slippers, too.

When I opened the door, I heard her laugh,

"I saw you fall upstairs – your usual gaffe!

I brought you this puppy -- so turn her around,

To see how she’s structured – she’s perfectly sound!"

Her body was all white, from her head to her paws,

I knew that my friend was the real Santa Claus;

A bundle of joy she had brought me that night,

I knew that to keep her would have to be right.

Her eyes -- how they twinkled! Her barking how merry!

Her cheeks were so rosy, her name would be Cherye!

Her body, it shook and she had such a wiggle,

She licked me ferociously – and she made me giggle;

A piece of a bone she held tight in her lips,

As she jumped up, she wiggled from her head to her hips;

She had a white face and a little round belly,

That shook, when she barked like a bowlful of jelly.

She was chubby and plump, like a little old elf,

And I laughed when I saw her, in spite of myself;

A wink of her eye and a twist of her head,

Soon gave me to know she would sleep on my bed;

Meanwhile, the others awoke from their sleep,

They ran down the stairs, and they fell in a heap,

They licked Cherye all over -- from her tail to her nose,

With 15 a lickin’, she struck such a pose;

Then they jumped to their feet, and as quick as a mouse,

They ran to the door and then out of the house.

Then my friend she exclaimed, as she drove out of sight,

"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"