As I stood on a corner that Christmas Eve night
I spied the strangest sight;
Illuminated by the street's lamp light,
There in a window
some distance beyond
what looked like a figure
familiar and fond.
I could see that he had a beard of snow white
as for the cut of his suit
it looked about right.
When just for an instant
I turned to sneeze
I peered more closely
and it made me freeze:
for there in the shadows
not ten feet away
stood nine small reindeer
attached to a sleigh.
The night was pitch dark
the wind blew with speed
and there was that "red nose" taking the lead.
Shaking my head and feeling my brow,
I knew that my fever had increased somehow.
Just at that moment a bus passed by
and paused for a second
I don't know why.
Not listening to reason
(perhaps 'twas the season),
I walked to the spot
where I'd seen them before,
and there lay the prints of 36 paw.
Oh yes, there were tracks
as clear as could be
and there in the snow
calling to me
a small gold bell
shiny and bright
(I keep it always to remember that night).
Now every year on Christmas Eve
I stand and wait
Until forced to leave
Hoping to spy
What few ever do
And wishing next year it will happen to you.