With apologies to Clement Moore.....
'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house
not a creature was stirring not even a mouse
My stockings were hung (my knickers were too
)
To dry in the warmth of the old chimney flue
I snuggled down cheerily with my favorite nightcap
with my notebook and iris wish list on my lap
when out in the garden I heard such a clatter
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter
I donned parka and mittens and boots - grabbed a light
snatched a hoe on my way... I did look a sight
the moon on the mountain (there was no fallen snow)
gave a glimmer of dawn light in this valley below
then what to my wandering eyes did appear
a whole family of squirrels in my garden so dear
from the fence to the tree to the rooftop they came
and I shrieked and I shouted.... and I called them a name!
As I brandished my hoe and was looking about
All was as should be, there was no doubt
The rhizomes were nestled for their long winters rest
with the promise of blooms and no squirrely pests
I walked the garden and noted each one
All was well here now... my job was done.
There was
TB
'Dasher' Opal Brown 1977
and
SDB Tiny
'Dancer' Larry Lauer 2002
and
SDB
'Prancer' Cleo Palmer 1980
and
MDB
'Vixen' William Thompson 1933
and who could forget
TB
'Comet' Robert Wayman 1940
or
SDB
'Cupid's Magic Floyd Dyer 1993
no
'Donder' 
but a
IB
'blitzen'! Marky Smith 2000
I left the garden to the still of the night
and wished.....
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
