T'was the Night Before Christmas by Rebekah Lehr.
Twas the night before Christmas and all through Johnny's house
not a creature was stirring…not even a mouse!
The stocking was hung by the chimney with care
(Cuz it was obvious Gage was the only one there!)
Johnny was tucked all snug in his bed
While visions of sugerplums danced in his head
Despite the sirens a'blazin and phone-calls from the
'Cap
Johnny settled down for a LONG winters nap!
When from the outside, there arose such a clatter
Gage jumped from his bed to see what was the matter!
Away to his window he flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
The moonlight was bothersome on the newfallen snow
"If i sleep a little later" thought Gage: "No one will know!"
When what to his tiresome eyes should appear!
But a red squad truck… named 'ol 51!
With a blond headed driver so lively yet slow,
Gage knew from first glance, it must be DESOTO!!
But then from Rampart, 7 friends, they came
As Desoto whistled and called them by name:
"Now Rampart, bring Brackett, Now Dixie and
Betty,
On Marco, On Early, on Chet and Kelley!
To the top of the porch! Knock on the door!
Now knock away, knock away, knock away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly
When they met with an obstacle, they didn't ask why!
So up to the rooftop, the courses they flew
While the sirens were screamin.... the biophone too!
And than in a twinkling, he heard them meet
ON TOP OF THE ROOF!! (Gage could hear their feet)
And just as Gage was turning around
Down the chimney Desoto came with a leap and a bound
He was dressed Blue and black from his head to his
foot
and his badge was tarnished from ashes and soot.
A bundle of rope he had flung over his back!
It looked like to the station, Gage would be going back!
Than Gage saw Chet! His eyes so merry
His cheeks were like roses.... his nose like a cherry
His droll little mouth was drawn up in a grin
as the wrinkles appeared on the front of his chin
Gage explained why he was late..through of course
clenched teeth!
"I'm tired and sleepy! I finally get to BREATH!
I need a vacation, and some food in my belly!
And a breakfast tomorrow:
WHEAT TOAST AND JELLY!"
And Desoto, who's soul was as jolly as an elf
actually laughed in spite of himself
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave Johnny relief he had nothing to dread!
Roy spoke not a word but went straight to work
He untied Johnny and cut the ropes with a jerk
And laying the rope in a bunch, like a hose
He gave a nod to Johnny and up the chimney he rose
Desoto sprang into the squad,to his friends gave a whistle
And away they drove, like the down of a thistle
But Johnny heard them exclaim as they drove out of
sight…
"MERRY CHRISTMAS JOHNNY!! AND TO YOU A GOOD NIGHT!"
