Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the paddock
Not a creature was stirring, not even a haddock  – – – ?*

(No, no, no – in the field the horses are munching
You know, that lovely sound, when horses are chewing? Yep!)

… when all through the field,
Happy horses munch their way through (the ??? yield???  – Na!)

(Here we go again)

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through ley,

The horses are eating their way through the hay.
Clean bridles were hung in the tack room with care,
In hope that Christmas would soon be there;

Through the fields we would dash, bells jingling away,
Sparkling snow, Bob’s tail rings  – – – in an open sleigh – ? ( Stop! Try again!)

Sparkling snow, feel the beat, what a wonderful day!
The air, it is fresh, the sunlight so bright
The horses take wings, THAT tölt – what a sight!
And that feeling, of horse and (wo)man as one!
You get the picture! Delirious fun!

But – alas! Christmas morning has begun,
It’s raining, that storm, I feel utterly glum!

(Need to change plans again?)

If I can’t fly, I’ll stay put –  I’ve been there before. (This is 2021 after all.)
Look around, make (new) plans, and start over once more.
Sigh! Okay! I’m looking around
Go out to the stable, just listen (to that sound!)
The horses are munching without a concern.
Just another example of how much we can learn.

Merry Christmas and have a wonderful start into the New Year!

*For the full version, google: twas the night before Christmas, when…
FEIF version: Gundula Sharman
Photo: Michaela Schirm