Twas the Night before Solstice, and in the still night
One warrior and bard chatted by candlelight
Their boots were all set by the fireplace with care
In hopes that old Senticles might soon be there
And Joxer was nestled all snug in his bed
While three naked Gabbies ran wild in his head
And Xena in her leather and Gab with her staff
Had just settled down after one last long laugh
The moon glowed in Argo's long mane, oh so white
And the millions of stars in the sky were so bright
When out in the agora there arose a great clatter
The trio arose to see what was the matter
Gabrielle saw it first, Xena thought of the Horde
A chariot pulled by eight heavily armored warlords
With a driver who reined with the greatest of ease,
Said Gabby to Xena, "Look, Senticles!"
Like thundering horses, those warlords they came
And he whistled so loudly, then called them by name:
Now Caesar, and Dagnine, now Draco and Ares!
Thelonius, Zagreus, Krykus, Sinteres!
To the top of the barn, to the top of the wall!
I've got the whip here, so come on, y'all!
As splinters that before Xena's chakram they flew
Through the heavens they came, then out of the blue
So up to the rafters the chariot sped
With old Senticles, jolly in his suit of red
As Gab turned her head and knocked Joxer flat
Down the chimney old Senticles came with a splat!
He was dressed head to toe in crimson attire
And streaked with the ashes and soot of the fire
A bundle of weapons were strapped to his back
He looked like Salmoneus opening his pack
His eyes were so gentle, his beard was so curly
He quipped with a chuckle, "Sure looks like I'm early!"
His fat little girth was drawn oh so tight
And the trim of his robes was snowy and white
He held a small chocolate tight in his grip
For he was hungry after such a long trip
His face was quite kindly, and his little shoes
Were the type that a gentleman tends to choose
He was chubby and plump, a right sweet old toymaker
Gabrielle was reminded of her hometown's baker
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Gave the three friends an assurance of nothing to dread
He said not a word but went straight to work
And filled all the boots and then turned with a jerk
(Joxer's Note: Whaddya mean, turned with a jerk?)
And laying one finger aside of lips
He jumped up the chimney, and shouted "Pip, pip!"
He got in his chariot and picked up the reins
Ignoring his various arthritic pains
And all of them heard, as he rode out of sight
"Happy Solstice to all, and to all a good night!"