THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
(US Coast Guard Auxiliary Version)
By Alan J.P. Miles
Twas the night before Christmas, all across the Seas,
Not a current was stirring, not even the breeze;
The patrol boats were moored to the docks with great care,
In case of a winter storm that could soon be there;
Auxiliary sailors and seaman lay snug in their beds,
Thoughts of victims and rescues were fresh in their heads;
Then suddenly, in the harbor there came such a sound,
The coxswains and crew searched but nothing could be found;
When, there at the horizon there rose a great sight,
With red and green lights, even a three sixty white;
The roar of her engines were nothing to compare,
Against the jolly laughter of the helmsman there;
The odd vessel approached us at juggernaught speed,
And sped through a no-wake zone, which it did not heed;
Boat crews ,both Silver and Gold ran on to the pier,
To see the strange craft as it drew ever so near;
The Captain at the wheel wore red with white trim,
A jolly face, white beard, and a belly, not thin!
A fur coat, hat, gloves, and orange PFD,
Completed this Sailor for everyone to see;
He spoke to those present in a deep merry voice,
“You serve others and this is a wonderful choice”
For you all have responded to your brothers call,
You rush out to save them during tempest and squall;
It is time to deliver my message to you,
That you all should receive this Bravo Zulu;
It’s now time for me to get underway,
The time we were together, was special today;
He started the engines with a twitch of his nose,
“All Ahead Full”, his orders crescendoed and rose;
As pulled from the dock, oh what a wonderful sight,
He shouted, Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night !
Auxiliarist Alan J.P. Miles