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Twas the night before Christmas, and under the bach No creature was stirring; not even the rats. We'd left a meat pie on the table, and beer, In the hope that Santa would soon arrive here. Us kids were all snuggled up in our bunk beds, And dreams of pavlova danced round in our heads While mum in her nightie, and dad in his shorts Sprawled out on the couch and watched TV sports. Then outside the bach such a hooha arose, I woke up at once from my wonderful doze. Slipped back the ranch-slider, looked all about, Jumped out on the deck, and let out a shout. The fairy lights dad had strung up around the door Lit everything up, right down to the shore. And what did I see, when I took a peep? A miniature farm bike and eight tiny sheep. With a little old driver, farm dog on his knee. I knew right away who this joker might be. He patted his dog, and with voice not unkind, Cried "Good on ya, boy! You stay in behind! "Now, Flossy! now Fluffy! now Shaun and Shane! On, Bossy! On Buffy! On Jason and Wayne! Up that red tree, to the top of the bach, And mind you don't trample their vegetable patch." So up on the roof those sheep quickly flew, With the quad full of toys and Santa's dog too. Then my sister woke up and as I turned around, in through the window he came with a bound. He wore a black singlet and white footie shorts, And stuck on his feet were gumboots of course; A sack full of toys he had flung on his back, He looked like a postie just opening his pack. His eyes bright as paua shell - oh, how they twinkled! Like an old tuatara, his skin was all wrinkled! He had a wide face and a big round fat tummy, He looked like he'd eaten some food that was yummy. He spoke not a word, but got down on one knee, And placed a cricket set under the tree, A present for sis, one for dad, one for mum, Then he turned and he winked and held up his thumb. He jumped on his farm bike, called his dog with a whistle, And away they all flew, as fast as a missile. I called out "Thanks," as he flew past the gate. He called back, "Kia ora! And good on ya, mate." |