Once upon a midnight clear
Was born a tiny reindeer

He was small, so very small
No one thought he'd live at all

Born in a harsh, frigid land
So small, fit in Santa's hand

His chances to live, quite slim
But God had a plan for him

Aurora, named for the Lights
That danced that frozen, cold night

Struggled to rise to his feet
Struggled to find Mother's teat

He latched on and drank warm milk
Life flowed through him, like warm silk

He grew, but not very tall
Aurora was still quite small

Teased by others, he was sad
And there were times he felt bad

He wanted to lead the herd
The others thought this absurd

But he dreamed on, as reindeers do
Because sometimes, dreams come true

He trained, through the night and day
Wanted to lead Santa's sleigh

Though small, he could pull his weight
Santa, the toys, true and straight

He wouldn't veer from his task
Waited for Santa to ask

"Will you guide my sleigh tonight
Rudolph's sick--not feeling right"

Then the magic night arrived
Santa said, "Rudolph can't drive

"He's got the 'flu, he's too sick
Now who'll be the one I pick?"

He looked at all the reindeer
"Who'll help me spread Christmas cheer?

"Aurora, you have worked hard
Pulling toys and all my lard"

"He's so SMALL!" the others cried
Santa looked at him with pride

"From hard work, he's the strongest
I'd say he'll last the longest

"Although small, his heart is big
Get Aurora in his rig!"

The team hooked up, off they flew
Aurora thrilled, Santa, too

They set a record that night
It was a very fast flight

Santa was heard to exclaim
"Aurora, you've earned your name!

SLOW DOWN...you're going too fast!
If you don't...we just might CRASH!!"

But they got home, safe and sound
Santa kissed the snowy ground

"Merry Christmas to one and all!
From Santa, and reindeers small!"

(C) Karla Dorman, 2003. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ME TO YOU!  :)