The Christmas Cat

You know the christmas cat

- that cat is very large

We dont know where he came from

nor where he has gone

He opened his eyes widely

glowing both of them

it was not for cowards

to look into them

His hair sharp as needles

his back was high and bulgy

and claws on his hairy paw

were not a pretty sight

Therefore the women competed

to rock and sow and spin

and knitted colorful clothes

or one little sock

For the cat could not come

and get the little children

they had to get new clothes

from the grownups

When christmas eve was lighted

and the cat looked inside

the children stood straight and red-cheeked

with their presents

He waved his strong tail

he jumped, scratched and blew

and was either in the valley

or out on the headland

He walked about, hungry and mean

in hurtfully cold christmas snow

and kindled the hearts with fear

in every town

If outside one heard a weak "meaow"

then unluck was sure to happen

all knew he hunted men

and didnt want mice

He followed the poorer people

who didnt get any new clothing

near christmas - and tried and lived

in poorest conditions

From them he took at the same time

all their christmas food

and ate them also themselves

if he could

Therefore the women competed

to rock and sow and spin

and knitted colorful clothes

or one little sock

Some had gotten an apron

and some had got a new shoe

or anything that was needful

but that was enough

For pussy should not eat no-one

who got some new piece of clothes

She hissed with her ugly voice

and ran away

If she still exists I dont know

but for nothing would be his trip

if everybody would get next christmas

some new rag

You may want to keep it in mind

to help if there is need

for somewhere there might be children

who get nothing at all

Mayhaps that looking for those who suffer

from lack of plentiful lights

will give you a happy season

and merry christmas