T'was the Week Before Christmas

T’was the night before Christmas

Oh no that’s not right.

T’was the week before Christmas

Not a reindeer in sight.

 

When Mummy and me

Set out in the car

To visit my Granje

It’s not very far.

 

I was so excited

‘Cuz Granje and me

Have fun playing ball games

And making the tea.

 

But just then I started

To cough and much more

To bring up my breakfast

All over the car.

 

It got in my hair

And it got in my shoes.

My mummy couldn’t stop then

The traffic’s bad news.

 

Finally she managed

To pull in and stop.

She cleaned up the worst bit

Gave me a new top.

 

But when we arrived at

My Granje’s big house

I felt and I smelt like

A rat or a mouse.

 

And then when I spied her

My world fell apart.

In the lap I should sit in

And looking most smart

 

Was a baby, and Grandje

Was looking at her

Like she looks at me most times.

Then the baby did stir

 

 

“Here’s Susannah” they all said

And expected a smile.

I hid my face from them

And waited awhile

 

Before I would let them

Appreciate me.

I felt I’d been ousted

From my territ’ry

 

Then luncheon was served

 I was so pleased to see

That they had remembered

Roast carrots for me.

 

The meal nearly over

The baby had fed

I climbed to the floor

And looked at her head.

 

She was smaller and rounder

And seemed like a dork

She couldn’t even eat

With a spoon and a fork.

 

But later my auntie said

“Natasha let’s see

If you and Susannah

Friends can now be.”

 

She made me sit next her

Her small hands in mine

And play row the boat

It all seemed just fine.

 

Then suddenly I found

She was sitting on me.

I held her most firmly

She chuckled with glee.

 

This cousin I had hated

For taking my place

Now showed me her good side

She smiled in my face.

 

 

Then soon it was time

To pack up and go

But Grandje looked sad now

She does love me so.

 

“Be back soon,” I told her

“And then we can play

But maybe the next time

Keep the other babe away.”

 

Not that it matters

Now I know that she

Is really not up to

The same things as me.

 

She can’t even catch

And she can’t even throw.

And not any teeth yet

I looked so I know.

 

Mummy looked tired

As we waved our goodbyes

We won’t see them now

'Til after Santa’s surprise.

 

And I heard mum say

As we drove out of sight

Merry Christmas to All

And to all a good night.