With apologies to Clement Moore
'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the ship
Not a craure was stirring, not even the contructs;
The rear hatch was open, with nary a care,
in hope that food supplies soon would be there;
The crew were nestled all snug in their racks,
while visions of gold peices danced in their heads;
And brian in he 'kerchief and Glass in his cap,
Had just settled down for a long asteroid nap.
When out on the deck there arose such a clatter,
they sprang formtheir racks to see what was the matter.
Out of their hammocks they fell like before,
Tore open their doors to determine the score.
The light on the breast of the new fallen snow
Gave the lustre of winter to the ballista all aglow.
And what to their wondering eyes should appear
but a miniature sliegh and 8 tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
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, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the fo'castle! to the top of the rail!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
<imagination fails to adapt several stanzas appropriately>
He stood in 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!
As is traditional, you all have discovered an odd oversized stocking like object at the foot of your bed or side of your hammock.
