'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse.
The children were nestled in childish alliance,
And I had decided to change my appliance.
So donning my P.J.s, my slippers and robe,
I started my chore with the patience of Job.
All of the equipment I laid out with care.
Then checked it all over to see what was there.
Here's solvent, adhesive, now Kleenex and cotton
There's Benzoin, Karaya, what have I forgotten?
Eye dropper and swab stick, skin ointment, detergent;
Then cleanser and brushes, the bag - that's most urgent.
Then off with the old one, I started forthright
To remove the cement, when out went the light.
I reached for the switch, tho I don't know what for,
When I heard something clatter and bounce on the floor.
I muttered an oath, then I called to my spouse,
Who told me 'twas darkened all over the house.
Then what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a flickering candlelight coming too near.
"Ye Gads!" I screamed loudly, perhaps none too soon.
"Not that! You might blow us from here to the moon!"
Then I viewed my dilemma, in utter confusion,
And failed to come up with a happy conclusion.
When all of a sudden, there came on the wall,
The beams of a flashlight, that danced down the hall.
Its rays were not brilliant. Its batteries weary,
But the light that it gave me was welcome and cheery.
I aimed at the floor, and the light gently twinkled;
For there in profusion Karaya was sprinkled.
Now time was the essence, on speed I was bent;
The cotton kept sticking upon the cement.
My face-plate was drying, my fingers were gummy,
The stoma was oozing a trail down my tummy.
Then swabbing, cementing and fanning with vigor;
I knew that I had to be quick on the trigger.
The light was receding, my nerves were a jangle;
I slapped on the bag at a quite rakish angle.
I fastened my belt, gave a shake of my head;
Then closed the door tightly and headed for bed.
But there's one thing I'll wish you
'Fore saying Good Night;
May your Christmas be Merry,
AND LET THERE BE LIGHT!