Happy Holidays to all!
Barnfellows included.
> T'was the night before Christmas,And all through the barn,
> All the creatures were sleeping,
> All safe, snug and warm.
> The feed pails were hung
> By the stall doors with care,
> In the hopes that St. Nicholas
> Soon would be there.
> The ponies were nestled
> All warm in their beds,
> While visions of carrot cakes
> Danced through their heads.
> The Arabs, the Thoroughbreds
> And even the Apps,
> The jumpers and hunters were
> All taking naps.
> When out in the paddock
> There arose such a clatter
> I awoke in my stall
> To see what was the matter.
> I moved to the window
> Quick as I should
> To see where the noise
> Came from, if I could.
> The sight I beheld
> As I gazed out that night,
> Was a beautiful horse
> All whiter than white.
> He wore a red blanket
> So nice to behold,
> His hooves how they sparkled
> All glittery-gold.
> With swift certain motions
> To our barn he came,
> And silvery moonlight
> Danced from his mane.
> More rapid than racers
> His hoofbeats they came,
> And he neighed and he snorted
> And called us by name.
> He was our Christmas,
> A ghost-horse of white,
> Who has come to all horses,
> Since that one special night.
> To remind us of horses
> Who served man so well,
> Especially those with whom
> A baby did dwell.
> For those special horses
> who shared stable and stall,
> To give comfort and warmth
> To the Savior of us all.
> Now thinking of them,
> He entered the door,
> To distribute among us
> His gifts and more.
> Down the aisle he came
> His hoofbeats so light,
> And he stopped by each stall
> In our stable that night.
> Gifts he did give
> To all in our barn,
> More heart or more courage,
> Or to be free from harm.
> He spoke not a word
> But went straight to his work,
> And he filled all the feed pails
> Then turned with a jerk.
> And nickering softly
> On gold hooves so bright,
> And giving a nod
> He went into the night.
> And I heard him neigh
> As he went out of sight,
> Merry Christmas to all,
> And to all a Good Ni-i-i-i-ight!
>
> (Author Unknown)