DEC. 18, 1964
Santa sheik makes the scene in arab desert
Twas the night before Christmas and all across the desert
Not a creature was stirring, not even a nomad.
The turbans were hung from the tent poles with care
In hope that Santa Shiek soon would be there.
The Arabettes were nestled all snug in their camel hides
While visions of figs danced in their heads.
Fatima in her Arabian nightie and Ahab in his cap
Had just settled down on the hot desert sand.
When out on the Oasis there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my tent to see who was the camel.
Away to the opening I flew like a jet,
Tore open the tent flap, threw open the mosquito net.
The sun on the crest of the hot desert sand
Gave the lustre of midday to objects at hand.
When what to my wondering eyes did appear
But a minature caravan and eight big camels!
With a big, fat leader so sluggish and meek,
I knew in a moment it must be Santa Shiek.
More rapid than vultures his camels they came
And he yelled and he screamed and called them by name.
Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer! and Vixon!!
On Comet! On Cupid! On Donder! and Clyde!!!
And I heard him exclaim as they flew out of sight,
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO AHAB! AND FATIMA GOODNIGHT!!