BEFORE CHRISTMAS

'Twas the nightmare before Christmas
and all through the house-
Not one was asleep
'cause of a darn pesky mouse

He chewed and he gnawed,
and stole niblets of cheese-
Hoping St Nick would drop
cookies, Oh Please!

The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care-
But without treats and goodies
one just didn't DARE!

The children were trying
their very best to sleep-
Tucked tightly away
but instead counting sheep-

The cat was needing valium,
Sister Sue was about to cry-
'cuz she knew if she was awake,
Santa would do a fly by-

Then up on the roof
was heard quite a clatter-
It was the US Marines-
they'd take care of the matter

The chimney was too narrow,
their weapons too big-
The mouse screamed, Oh No!
from beneath Grandma's wig

But they wouldn't quit
'til Christmas was saved-
and determined they were
that mouse would behave

They stormed through the door
scaring the poor cat-
Then Grams dropped her teeth-
on the living room mat

Locked and loaded they stood
ready for fight-
Don't worry Ma'am-
we'll save Christmas tonight

They gathered in a huddle
Semper Fi they'd yell-
and what they done next
is quite a story to tell-

Grenades with pins pulled
they tossed them with care-
but that darn pesky mouse
never budged a hair

Pa ran for cover
Brother Jimmy laughed loud
When out on the lawn
there was drawing a large crowd

With Ma in her kerchief
and Sue in her gown
Not one was asleep
in the whole bloomin' town

When out of the smoke
came a voice very clear-
I've got'im! I've got'im-
I've got'im right here!

A young brave Marine
with his fist clenched tight
Just as proud as he could be
'til that mouse took a bite

His hand flung open
the culprit scurried away
Laughing and shouting
Merry Christmas to All,

and to All a good Day!