A Sailor’s Christmas Eve…
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the boat,
Was that wonderful feeling of just being afloat.
The stockings were all hung in the galley with care,
In hopes that King Neptune soon would be there.
The crew was nestled, all snug in their beds,
While visions of shore leave danced through our heads.
Dressed in our nightclothes, some topped with a cap,
We all settled in for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the foredeck there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bunk to see what was the matter.
Away in a flurry, stuck my head out the hatch,
a view of King Neptune I was hoping to catch.
The full moon shone so brightly, it had a sweet glow,
spreading white light on the objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should there be,
But a beautiful boat pulled by eight snow white manatee.
I heard some crashing, some thrashing and knocking,
I knew then for certain that they must be docking!
Who was at the helm? I’ve seen him before.
Could it be King Neptune, I couldn’t be sure!
Donning a red cap fringed with foamy white trim,
Wearing a red Speedo which covered but a fraction of him!
I was shocked and astonished but what could I say?
I’ve also been known to go boating dressed exactly that way!
He grabbed a big bag, a huge bulging sack,
And with a loud grunt it was up on his back,
He said “My name’s Neptune and my friend I can tell,
you might like some things to make your boat look swell.
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the boat,
Was that wonderful feeling of just being afloat.
The stockings were all hung in the galley with care,
In hopes that King Neptune soon would be there.
The crew was nestled, all snug in their beds,
While visions of shore leave danced through our heads.
Dressed in our nightclothes, some topped with a cap,
We all settled in for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the foredeck there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bunk to see what was the matter.
Away in a flurry, stuck my head out the hatch,
a view of King Neptune I was hoping to catch.
The full moon shone so brightly, it had a sweet glow,
spreading white light on the objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should there be,
But a beautiful boat pulled by eight snow white manatee.
I heard some crashing, some thrashing and knocking,
I knew then for certain that they must be docking!
Who was at the helm? I’ve seen him before.
Could it be King Neptune, I couldn’t be sure!
Donning a red cap fringed with foamy white trim,
Wearing a red Speedo which covered but a fraction of him!
I was shocked and astonished but what could I say?
I’ve also been known to go boating dressed exactly that way!
He grabbed a big bag, a huge bulging sack,
And with a loud grunt it was up on his back,
He said “My name’s Neptune and my friend I can tell,
you might like some things to make your boat look swell.
Prepare to be boarded sir, your vessel I must check out,
A good captain are you? There must be no doubt!”
He sprang to the deck, got down below just as fast,
Inspected it all from the bilge to the mast!
“You’ve got a fine ship here, of that I am sure,
perhaps a new anchor to help keep her secure?
Or maybe some new lines, a sail or a fender,
I’ve got many items here, even a tender.
Take a look in the bag, there’s so much to see,
don’t take that rum though, that’s there for me!
How about a fishing pole with new lines and lure,
there’s other things too, some a tad bit obscure.”
As quickly as he came, he was back on his boat.
Revving up his team of manatee, he was eager to tote.
“There are many more stops we have yet to make,
I must leave you now, we won’t leave a big wake!”
“Merry Christmas” he called as they cruised through the night,
To watch them pull away was an incredible sight!
I am sure you don’t believe me, as not many do,
but don’t doubt me Matey, I tell you it’s true!
Perhaps next year in the right place you’ll be,
to witness King Neptune and his boat-sled at sea.
Believe in this tale, you have nothing to lose,
The worst they will say is you’ve had too much booze!
We share this story with you for a most special reason,
To wish you and yours all the best this holiday season!
He sprang to the deck, got down below just as fast,
Inspected it all from the bilge to the mast!
“You’ve got a fine ship here, of that I am sure,
perhaps a new anchor to help keep her secure?
Or maybe some new lines, a sail or a fender,
I’ve got many items here, even a tender.
Take a look in the bag, there’s so much to see,
don’t take that rum though, that’s there for me!
How about a fishing pole with new lines and lure,
there’s other things too, some a tad bit obscure.”
As quickly as he came, he was back on his boat.
Revving up his team of manatee, he was eager to tote.
“There are many more stops we have yet to make,
I must leave you now, we won’t leave a big wake!”
“Merry Christmas” he called as they cruised through the night,
To watch them pull away was an incredible sight!
I am sure you don’t believe me, as not many do,
but don’t doubt me Matey, I tell you it’s true!
Perhaps next year in the right place you’ll be,
to witness King Neptune and his boat-sled at sea.
Believe in this tale, you have nothing to lose,
The worst they will say is you’ve had too much booze!
We share this story with you for a most special reason,
To wish you and yours all the best this holiday season!
Merry Christmas from the crew of Free Bird!!
