Cowboy Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas and in our small town
For Christmas Eve groceries-there are none to be found
All citizens are celebrating at the town hall
In looking around-I’m related to them all
It’s a family affair to celebrate this day
But wait, an outsider who showed them the way?
They came in so quietly in their fur covered shoes
With a scarf, long coat and some clear colored booze
We all said hello and welcomed her here
But inside we were wondering why she stole the cheer
She sat in the corner and made some small talk
Then asked where tomorrow she could go for a walk
We all looked in awe at this city lady
No walking on Christmas, that’s a day to be lazy
The night ended quickly and we returned to our beds
Waiting for Santa-our scriptures we read
We said thanks to Jesus for all that he did
Then in anticipation, we tucked in each kid
It was early the next morning as I flew out of bed
Not lazy this morning, there are cows to be fed
I rushed to the field with barely a light
After-all, when work starts it’s really still night
Eyes to the sky I watched with such glee
Waiting for Santa, hoping to see
But instead of a sleigh across the bright sky
It was the city slicker walking-boots knee-high
She waved at me, jolly, from across the way
I tipped my hat, “good morning” it’d say
She stood there, just staring, watching me work
I just kept on moving, she’d think me a jerk
Then out of her bag a camera did appear
Then flashes and clicks the cows ran in fear
I simply smiled but inside I did not
She wants a show-then a show I have got
So I reached my hand all covered in muck
And scratched my own butt and made sure some stuck
I let one fly so loud and so long
Then added a burp it was almost a song
Then placing my finger a side of my nose
I breathed in deep and then let out a blow
Snot went a flying so straight and so true
I was not photographic and now she knew
The look on her face was not that of joy
So off she went walking with her silly camera toy
I finished my chores and returned to my home
To spend a few minutes with my family alone
Santa had been here, I hadn’t seen a thing
But I guess that’s okay for gifts he did bring
The children will play with their toys in a while
Outside in the snow, the mud and hay pile
Friends will come from all over the town
Asking, “what did you get?” not a frown to be found
We’ll invite our new friend to join us for chow
She’s an outsider, true, but she’s one of us now
One of many reasons to live in this place
With mountains and valleys and lots of real space
The kids will wake up and their smiles I’ll see
Then back to the field is where I will be
It’s a slow day that’s true I’m taking some time
But the cows and that field, the responsibility’s mine
Coffee in hand the kids start to rise
I can’t wait to see the joy in their eyes
I look out the window, and a light flashes from sight.
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night”
