Well, I didn't get much input about this one before, so I guess I'll
just put it on again. I figured that you guys could use a little cooling
down, what with the summer months draining away, and school starting up
again and all. So here it is, one of my finest Achaean pieces. Enjoy.

'Twas the night before Logosmas, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The Mhaldorians were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Sarapis might soon be there.

The Rajamala were snuggled all warm in their beds
While visions of bayberries danced in their heads.

With Shallam sleeping soundly, and I in my cap
We'd all settled down for a long, frigid nap.

When outside of the gates there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

I glanced at the window, and saw in a flash
A group of Maldaathi, hiding their stash.

Then when what to my wondering eyes should suffice...
But a gigantic sleigh, with Suicide Mice.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick
I knew in a moment it must be a trick!

More rapid than eagles, my feet on the floor
As I put on my snowshoes, and flew out the door.
""On Lucky! On Happy! On Sleepy and Blitzen!""
On Cheerful, on Frantic, oh.....Hey, why don't you listen?!"

"Up past the gate, to the top of the wall...
Run away, run away, run away all!"
Like a rodent so tiny, to reach for the sky
He yanked on his reigns and started to fly.

So up to the housetops, Beret-clad, they flew
With the sleigh full of toys, and the jolly man, too.

And there in the tinkling, I heard on the roof..
The pawing of miceprints, and a further of proof.

As I reached for my sword, and was turning around
Down came the fat-man, tied up and bound.

That's the last time -I- let those mice in my sleigh!
I tell you, when I'm free, they're so gonna pay!

And a titter of joy from the housetops exclaimed:
""It's not our fault, I tell you, I swear we were framed!""

And the bundle of toys that the fat-man held dear
Came down from the chimney, and fell on his rear.

Out came a list, so carefully made
That told of the plan of the 'Shallam Mouce Raid.'

Quickly I yanked on my clothes and I scattered
And light on the snow my feet softly pattered

To all of the citizens' houses and doors
I banged with my fist, I stamped on the floor.

Shallam, Dear Shallam! Come aid to me quick!"
Bring Longswords, and Rapiers, and a very large stick!

Then out of the flash from the chimney, it came...
The twinkling of sleighbells, it sounded so lame.

Away in the night, they flew way up high
Dropping the bombs from their backs in the sky.

"Oh no you don't!" came the cry from the man
I'll not let you ruin one more of my plans.!"
Quicker than lightning, but slower than rain
He withdrew a bow, and quickly took aim

That's all I remember from last night, I swear.
Well, that and the falling of mice from the air.

And the fat-man lept up to his jolly old sleigh
And yanked on the reigns, and galloped away.

And he bellowed to me, 'fore he vanished from sigh:
Merry Logosmas to all, and to all a Good Night!

Penned by my hand on the 21st of Daedalan, in the year 370 AF.