Twas the Night Before Christmas,
When all through the abode
Only one creature stirred
As she cleaned the commode.

The children were finally
Asleep in their beds,
While visions of big toys
Flipped through their heads.

Yes, Dad was snoring
In front of the TV,
With a half built bicycle
Propped on his knee.

So only the Mom heard
The reindeer hooves clatter,
Which got her to sighing,
Now what is the matter?

With toilet bowl brush
Still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs,
And saw the old man.

He was covered with ashes
Which fell with a shrug,
Oh great, said the Mom,
Now I have to clean the rug.

Ho Ho Ho! cried Santa,
I’m glad you’re awake.
Your gift was especially
Difficult to make.

Thanks but I just wanted
Time on my own!
Exactly! he chuckled,
So, I’ve made you a clone.

A clone? she muttered,
What good is that?
Run along, Santa,
I’ve no time for chit chat.

Then out walked the clone
The Mother’s twin,
Same hair, same eyes
And the same double chin.

She’ll cook, she’ll dust,
She’ll mop every mess.
You’ll relax, take it easy,
Watch TV and rest.

Fantastic! the Mom cheered.
My dream has come true!
I’ll shop, I’ll read,
I’ll sleep a night through!
From the room above,

The youngest did fret.
Mommy? ! Come quickly,
I’m scared and I’m wet.”

The clone replied,
I’m coming, sweetheart.
Hey,” the Mom smiled,
She sure knows her part.

The clone changed the child
And hummed her a tune,
As she bundled the small one
In a blanket cocoon.

You’re the best Mommy ever.
I really love you.
The clone smiled and sighed,
And I love you too.

The Mom frowned and said,
Sorry, Santa, No deal.
That’s MY child’s LOVE
That she’s going to steal.

Smiling wisely, Santa said
To me, it is clear,
Only one loving Mother
Is needed in here.

The Mom kissed her child
And tucked her in bed.
Thank You, dear Santa,
For clearing my head.

Sometimes I forget,
It won’t be too long,
Before they’re too old
For my cradle and song.

The clock on the mantle
Then started to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone,
It works every time.

With the clone by his side,
Santa said, Goodnight
Merry Christmas, Dear MOM,
You’ll be all right.

Sometimes we need reminding
Of what life’s all about.
Especially at times
When the Holidays shout

And all we do is clean,
Bake and procure.
You get the picture here
I am sure.

So stop for a moment
Hug your kids so dear,
If they’re 2, or 22,
Or older this year.

For they are the gift
God gave from above,
To always be treasured
With a Mom’s Endless LOVE !!!!!