Twas the Night Before the Big Launch
Twas the night before the Big Launch, when throughout the net,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The websites were created by the members with care,
In hopes that St. Niche soon would be there.
The writers were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of money danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the net there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the computer I flew like a flash,
Tore open the browser and threw up the splash.
The moon on the monitor of the new-followers glow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But an offer so great, and eight tinny chat-dears.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Niche.
More rapid than eagles WA coursers they came,
And they whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Kyle! now, Carson! now, Welshy and Apina!
On, Labman! On, Beverly! , on Jayer and Deezdz !
To the top of Google! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the ranks the WA coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Tips, and St. Niches too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the clicks the St. Niches came with a bound.
They were dressed all in questions, from their head to their foot,
And their clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of dollars he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all their dreams, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Success to all, and to all a good-night!"