Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
My crutches were set by the headboard with care,
So if I needed to go pee, they would be there.
My daughters were nestled all snug in their beds,
And while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads -
Their momma unstrapped her big black boot, the one like Darth Vader
and set it next to her bed for later.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
The pain tore up my leg in a rush,
And I spewed out some curses that would make a sailor blush.
I strapped on my boot with all it's velcro
and grabbed my crutches from next to the window.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
I rubbed my eyes and checked the pain meds next to my bed,
but this vision was not in my head.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
I hurriedly crutched myself to the front door,
And stuck my head into the cold to see some more.
The sight I had seen was no longer in the sky,
I leaned back on the door and let out a little sigh.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
I slid right to the floor, my crutches clanking to the ground
And he turned to see what had made that sound.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
He leaned over and offered me a hand,
Which I accepted and used to help me stand.
He picked up my crutches and handed them to me,
Then went back to work under the tree.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Labels: Christmas, My broken foot
