Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the halls

The nurses were stirring, decking the walls.

The stockings were hung on the IV poles with care

In hopes that St. Nicholas would remember they're there.

The children were nestled in hospital beds

while visions of home danced in their heads

And mamma in her slippers, and papa in his sweats

Try to settle down and get much needed rest. 

When down the hall there arose such a clatter

The nurses went running to see what was the matter.

Away to the door a mom runs with a whoosh

With fear in her heart that a child is worse.

The pump lights are glowing, and the monitors beep

The nurses take care to let little ones sleep.

Parents lay restless, and wish they could be

at home with their kids who were all cancer free.

Santas speak not a word, but go straight to their work

And fill up the stockings, before returning to work.

With a twinge in their heart, and a smile on their face

They are sure to leave everything in the right place.

The twinkling lights make the little ones smile

And forget all their troubles for just a small while.

As parents find joy and hold back their tears

They try not to show the kids all their fears.

Their eyes - how they twinkle, their dimples how merry.

Their cheeks are like roses, noses like cherries.

They see all the presents tied up with a bow

And the white out the window of fresh fallen snow.

Each special child with hope in their hearts

Dreams of the day when the pain will depart.

But for one special day, none of that is in sight

And all can be merry on this Christmas Night!