Twas the night before Christmas

Written by our dear friend Capt. Pete

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS and all through Sanuk,
The bilge pumps were hustling to keep us afloat,
We were covered and  nestled all snug in our berths,
(We’ve  slept here for months enroute to Lake Worth)

As Tracy uploaded her photos and I savored my beer
She said “You've had enough, now come to bed dear.”
Then out on the dock there arose an uproar
As I reached in the fridge to get just one more.

So up went my head out of the hatch.
(Though I should have thought first to undo the latch.)
I saw stars for a moment, and as quick as a blink
Tracy yelled, "See, you've had too much to drink!"

The moon on the water lit the marina up bright
(Which was good, since the cat had lost my flashlight.)
Then what with my wondering eyes should I see,
But a fat, fuzzy old guy in a Bayliner Capri.

Instead of an outboard hung on the rear,
Tied to the bow were eight tiny reindeer.
More rapid than Reggie, these coursers they flew,
And on each of their hoofs was a Topsider shoe.

With crashing and bashing and banging and knocking,
I knew in an instant they must be docking,
“No Dasher! Hold it, Dancer! Damn you Prancer and Vixen.
Stop, Comet! Grab a line, Cupid! Get bumpers, Doneer and Blitzen!
Look out for that boat! Watch that seawall!
Now fend off, fend off, fend off all!”

He was dressed in a red cap ringed with fur trim
Along with a Speedo that covered just a fraction of him.
I was shocked and astonished. What could I say?
I also go boating dressed exactly that way.

He then grabbed a bag, a bulging huge sack,
And hoisted it up onto his back,
He also had sponges and a mop in his grip,
As he waddled his way o'er to my slip.

He said “My name’s Nick, and my friend, I can tell
That your gel coat needs buffing and your teak looks like hell.
Your vinyl needs cleaning, your lockers arranging,
Your holding tank pumping, and your oil a-changing,
You've put these jobs off for too long and you know it.
So here's all that you need. This time don't blow it.”

Then as quick as he came, he was back on his boat,
His reindeer revving and eager to tote.
“Merry Christmas!” he called as they cruised through the night.
“And regarding the beer Chris, your mate she is right.”

I laughed my arse off at this Pete... love and miss you two... xoxox

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