What's that now---footsteps on the rooftop?
Could it be a cat or a mouse?
Who's this down the chimney?
A thief with a beard--- And a big sack for robbing the house?

I'm barking, I'm growling, I'm biting his bum.
He howls and jumps back in his sleigh.
I scare his strange horses, they leap in the air.
I've frightened the whole bunch away.

Now the house is all peaceful and quiet again
The stockings are safe as can be.
Won't the kiddies be glad when they wake up
And see how I've guarded the tree.

by Shel Silverstein