A Barnyard Christmas...Revised

I  originally entered a shorter version of this poem in Susanna Leonard Hill's Holiday Contest.  But I felt it was unfinished...so I thought about it some more and realized what was missing...a holiday celebration!


Here is the updated poem...even though I know I've already entered the other one...;0)






A BARNYARD CHRISTMAS

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the barn,

Not a creature was stirring while down on the farm.

The chickens were nestled all snug in their coop,

And the dog snored softly out on the stoop.

While outside the ram with all of the ewes

Had just settled down for a long evening’s snooze,

When high above them there came such a sound

That all ears perked up; yes, even the hound.

Oh, what did they see up there in the sky?

But a bed made of straw with an eagle perched high,

With eight graceful hawks pulling that nest

While Santa Claws opened his great treasure chest.

He showered down gifts for all those below,

As creatures played in new fallen snow.

There were new wool coats for the ram and the ewes

And for the tired old hound?  Two pairs of new shoes!

Even the chickens were clucking with glee,

As they opened not one egg warmer, but three!

He started out slow, then picked up the pace,

Until presents were piled all over the place.

Hawks landed and Santa Claws hopped out,

Looking around, he said with a shout:

“Decorate the stalls, hang up the lights!

It’s time to party on the ol’ farm tonight!”

Hens started dancing while the pigs joined in,

“Eggnog’s on us!” cows said with a grin.

Young one’s games mixed with the laughter

As holiday songs shook all the rafters.

At last, one by one voices died low

As back to bed all the animals go.

With a last look around, they took to the sky

Just eight tiny hawks with an eagle perched high

And the animals heard as they flew far away,

“You’ll see us again before next Christmas Day!”