Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even my mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that new camera gear soon would be there.
This photographer was nestled all snug her bed,
While visions of lighting danced in her head.
Holiday deliveries were accomplished,
At last this insomnia could be abolished.
The dogs with their ‘kerchief, and David with no cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave a twinkling of light making Tulsa seem to glow.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
I dashed to my camera bag thinking,
Maybe I can be the photographer all will be linking!
I must be quite quick!
This is my year of a candid portrait of 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, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As I scrambled to get the framing just right
my moment was gone, a cloud blocked out the light!
I think to myself I know his next play,
down the chimney he’ll come, today is the day!
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I mentally prepared and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of gear he had flung on his back,
He looked like an assistant, with camera gear bulging his pack.
This time I think I must do this right,
I power up my flash, I must have the right light!
Santa heard the batteries engage and wheeled around rather astounded
When the shutter went click he looked simply confounded!
Santa gave me a wink
Saying “I know how you think”.
Then a kind rumble of laughter burst from his smile
Just hearing that made the whole endeavor worthwhile!
Laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
I glanced at the back of my camera display
And found nothing but sparkles much to my dismay.
He sprang to 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!”
