‘Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the barn
not a creature did stir
till the old dog woofed an alarm.
The Jerseys they rustled,
the Holsteins they bellowed
as soon as they saw they saw
the big white-bearded fellow.
The reindeer flew in,
hovered over the barn roof,
then backed up and landed
on freshly trimmed hooves.
(The Jerseys were jealous,
their trimmer was late.
He did not make it
on the appointed trim-date.)
While roof landings were standard,
the reindeer hopped
in the barnyard to land ‘er.
Unhitch and nibble some hay.
Trot up to the water trough,
have a fresh drink.
Check out the Jerseys,
give the cute ones a wink.
The Holsteins were testy.
They thought reindeer were messy,
since reindeer coats
were not black and white.
But all were distracted
when Rudolph gave a shout.
He tried to take a drink
and his nose shorted out!
While animals played,
Santa unloaded the sleigh,
leaving gifts for creatures
two-footed and four.
His job here was done,
the night’s journey just begun.
It was time for the reindeer to go.
But one of them was missing,
till they found Dasher kissing
a heifer under the mistletoe.
This column is not educational,
no doubt!
Sometimes a chuckle is what
the best in life’s all about.
From all of us at OSU Extension,
a holiday greeting to you.
A very Merry Christmas to all
and blessings the year through.
(The author is the northeast Ohio district dairy specialist with OSU Extension. Send comments or questions in care of Farm and Dairy, P.O. Box 38, Salem, OH 44460.)
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