‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house

I had baited my traps, to catch that darn mouse.

Each evening I’d loaded the traps with great care;

Each morning I’d found the bait no longer there.

Tonight I was nestled all snug in my bed.

Then I heard little mouse feet dance over my head.

He was up in the ceiling, a rat-a-tat tap;

With all of that noise, how could anyone nap?

Then out in the kitchen arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash,

To track down the critter ransacking my trash.

The moon shining bright through the frosted window

Showed everything in the room clear in its glow,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a small furry head and two small furry ears!

‘Twas a little brown rodent, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment he’d played me a trick.

More rapid than eagles he’d snatched up the cheese,

And licked off the peanut butter, clean as you please;

He’d eaten it all, left not one single scrap,

And he’d done it without springing one single trap.

He was chubby and plump, sitting up on my shelf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

Stuffed full of cookies and crackers and jelly.

As I stood there watching him, I realized

He was watching me too, with beady mouse eyes.

He twitched his long whiskers as if to declare,

“The food you provide is an answer to prayer!

My family thanks you for feeding us all!”

Then he disappeared through a hole in the wall.

But I heard him squeak, ere he dove out of sight,

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

—  Linda Bonney Olin