‘Twas the day after Christmas

‘Twas the day after Christmas, when all through the house We were all very sleep deprived, especially my spouse; The boxes and torn wrapping paper were tossed everywhere, Heck, I think I sat on some in my armchair;

The child was munching on cinnamon bread;

Trying not to get crumbs on her new Disney bedspread; And mamma on her new phone, trying to download an app, While I search the television for the latest weather map,

When from the next room there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.

Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash,

It sounded like two superheroes were about to clash.

I arrived in the kitchen with the whole family in tow,

We found the scene covered with flour and dough, When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

Because of the powder, it wasn’t quite clear,

But my vision adjusted pretty quick,

I knew in a moment when I saw the cat jump and kick. The dog and cat were in a wrestling match,

And the contest was more than a bite and a scratch.

Ruff! Hiss! Meow! and Growl! Filled the air

The fight was encompassing all our kitchenware.

To the top of the counter! To the top of the sink!

They had turned over every plate, bowl and drink.

So into the fray I flew

My wife there to help, my daughter too —

And then, in a twinkling, the noise it just ceased

The floor covered in leftover Christmas feast

As I turned my head, and was looking around,

The dog and cat were not making a sound.

It was as if they had disappeared down a hole,

Come to find out they were drinking water, from the same bowl. When they were refreshed they came right back,

Both looking as if they could use a snack.

The cat went and curled on the couch in a ball.

The dog went into her bed a laid down with a sprawl. None worse the wear and as happy as can be,

There mess they left to my family and me;

I say a few curse words through gritted teeth,

And look at the mess on the floor beneath;

We all grab mops, cloths and brooms.

Beginning to clean as my anger fumes.

I imagine my life without a dog and a cat,

But I know my wife and child would not like that;

So I drop my head and go right to work,

Thinking instead of the one perk;

With all the sweet treat on the floor in a heap,

It will make my New Year’s resolution easier to keep,

So out of any situation there arises something bright, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”