'Twer the Eve Before Christmas

A Christmas out west 

'Twer the eve before Christmas and all about the ranch,                                                                                 not a tree undecorated not even a branch.

The wind howled a tune, a lonesome old song,                                                                                            As the snow drifted deep all the cold night long.

 The cattle was bedded down snug in the stalls,                                                                                            Not a critter was stirrin' 'tween these four walls.

Then all of a sudden, a ruckus did sound,                                                                                                 Five shadowy fellas came trampin' the ground.

With hats pulled low and their ropes at the ready,                                                                                These rustlers was movin' right quiet and steady.

"Let's get 'em boys!" one whispered real low,                                                                                            As they slid through the Drivin drifts of snow.

But just as they reached for the gate's rusty chain,                                                                                      A blizzard of snow swirled up once again.

Just then A mighty big fella, a sight to behold,                                                                                    Dressed up like a cowboy, as brave as the old.

His chaps were all jinglin', his spurs gave a ring,                                                                                      And from his big sack, he'd a new rope to sling.

It may have been his red leather chaps

or maybe even the white fur on his hat

as I stood at the ranch-house door

I had ta look again just to be shour

I rubbed my eyes then took a short pause

I knew in my heart it must be Santa Clause


"Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer, He Hollared                                                                            and Vixen! On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner, and Blitzen!"

on the roof of the barn there they all stood,                                                                                                  Eight trusty reindeer, and a sled made of wood.

 'cross the big sky, those varments were used to the flyin',                                                                             But on this old ranch, they were just standin' and spyin'.

The rustlers were frozen, struck dumb by the sight,                                                                                  And Santa the cowhand, all jolly and bright,

Lassoed 'em all with one flip of his wrist,                                                                                                   A rope trick that none of 'em could resist.

Then merrily clad elves, they came out from the shed,                                                                            And hog tied the rustlers, and gave 'em a dread.

The rustlers were left in a heap on the ground,                                                                                        And peace on the ranch was once more to be found.

Old Santa rode off with a mighty big cheer.                                                                                               With a tip of his hat and a "Merry Christmas, you hear!"


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