I know it's a bit early, but i thought i'd share this poem that John Hollister wrote (
www.herpo.com)
A Herpers Merry Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
Mouse knew if he moved he would surely be beaten
by fang or by coil and eventually eaten.
The colubrids were cooling down in their beds;
not much of anything coursed through their heads.
The boas and pythons were in mild brumation
in preparation for procreation.
I, on the couch, the cat in my lap,
had just awakened from a short evening nap when
Out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I dashed from the house to see what was the matter.
The python which had disappeared earlier this year
was wrapped around one of Santa's reindeer.
I uncoiled the snake and put it away -
certain the damned thing had ruined this day.
I told Santa "I'm sorry, this has not happened before",
with chagrin on my face as I turned to the door.
He said "Don't you worry, it has helped make my day",
and his eyes had a twinkle as he climbed in his sleigh.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On Comet! on , Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all."
I knew as he flew to the neighboring house
that he had left me nothing, not even a mouse.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Herpy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
(With apologies to Clement Moore.)
I hope that we will have a chance to get together on the highways this year.
Happy herping.
John Hollister, Christmas 2002
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