Twas the Night Before Christmas (with apologies to Clement Moore)
24 December 2006 | Exuma Sound
The Lea Family
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the boat; Not a creature was stirring, among all things afloat.
The crew were nestled, all snug in their beds, while visions of rum cakes danced in their heads.
With the 1st mate in her bikini, and I in my trunks, we'd just settled in for a night in our bunks.
When out on the beach there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bunk to see what was the matter.
Away to the porthole I flew like a flash; Tore open the screen and threw up the hatch.
The moon on the shores of the white sandy beach; Gave the luster of mid-day, as far as my eyes could reach.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
As palm trees before the wild hurricane sway; Waves crashed on the shores of the sun drenched bay.
So onto the foredeck the reindeer they flew, with a sleigh full of rum, and St. Nicholas too.
As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the forehatch St. Nicholas came with a bound.
In a Speedo and Tevas, with shades on his head, I knew at a glance I had nothing to dread.
His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry; His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work; He filled all the stockings and turned with a jerk.
And laying a finger aside of his nose; And giving a nod, up the forehatch he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle; And away they all flew like the down on a thistle.
On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen; On Comet and Cupid and Doner and Blitzen.
To the top of the dune, to the top of the palm; Now dash away, dash away, dash away Mon.
And I heard him exclaim as he sailed out of sight; Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!!!