The Yule Cat

You must know of the Yule Cat
That feline mighty and long
No one knew from where he came
Or to where he had gone

He'd stare at you with intent
Of his burning desire
It was hardly for anyone
To gaze into that fire

His whiskers stiff as needles
A hump on his black back
And the claws on his furry paw
Would surely take you aback

He leaps he claws and hisses
He swings his mighty tail
Sometimes out on the ness
At others in the dale

He'd roam hungry and vicious
On frozen Christmas ground
On farmsteads he sent shivers
To all there around

If on a way out you heard a meow
You wisely would think twice
You knew that he hunted men
With no interest in mice

He set his sights on the poor that
Only had old rags to wear
And struggled to make ends meet
On Christmas every year

He'd steal from them every bite
Even their Christmas steak
And then devour them every one
All he could he would take

And so the women kept busy
Knitting weaving their stock
To make any usable garment
If even only a single sock

The Cat could not be allowed
To prey upon the small
They had to get new clothing
For Christmas one and all

When Christmas eve arrived
The dreaded Cat would peek in
At children clasping packages
And wearing a happy grin

Some had received an apron
Others would get new shoes
Or something that was wanted
And needed to use

Cat was not allowed to eat
Those with new things to wear
He'd run off so disappointed
His meows you could clearly hear

Is He still around I don't know
If he is then He will be sad
If everyone this Christmas
Is happy in new cloth clad

Perhaps you will keep your eyes open
Before the Christmas table you set
If you know of any small ones
Who nothing will get

Maybe a thought for those in need
All around this world so wide
Will fill your hearts with empathy
And grant you a Happy Yuletide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVEQuFiS8DQ