The Story Girl

while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads

the moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

when what to my wondering eyes did appear

but a sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer

to the top of the porch! to the top of the wall

bundle of toys he had flung on his back

he looked like a pedler just opening his pack

his eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples

his cheeks were like roses

his droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow

the beard on his chin was as as the snow

the smoke

he had a broad face and a little round belly

wink of his eye and a twist of his head

filled all the stockings; then turned

laying his finger aside of his nose

away they all flew like the down of a thistle

twas the night before christmas

not a creature was stirring

the stockings were hung by the chimney

in hopes that st. nicholas soon would be there

the children were nestled all snug in their beds

mamma in her 'kerchief

had just settled our brains

when out on the lawn there arose such a clatter

i sprang from my bed to see what was the matter

away to the window i flew like a flash

tore open the shutters and threw up the sash

gave a lustre of midday to objects below

i knew in a moment he must be st. nick

more rapid than eagles his coursers they came

now

on

now away! dash away! dash away all

as that before the hurricane fly

when they meet

so up to the housetop the coursers they flew

then

the prancing and pawing of each little hoof

as i drew in my and was turning around

down the chimney st. nicholas came

he was dressed all in fur

his clothes were all tarnished

the stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth

that shook when he laughed

he was chubby and plump

i laughed when i saw him

soon gave me to know i had nothing to dread

he spoke not a word

giving a nod

he sprang to his sleigh

but i heard him exclaim

happy christmas to all

poem by clement clarke moore

image - by svetoknz