Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the boat
Not a diver was stirring, not even the divemasters were afloat,
The wetsuits hung out on the diving deck,
In the hopes that the giant mantas would soon be there, like St Nick,
The divers were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of hammerhead sharks danced in their heads,
The Captain in his uniform shirt and mate in his nicest ball cap
Had just settled their brains for a long Socorro nap
When out on the back deck there arose such a clatter
They sprung from their bunks to see what was the matter
Away to the portholes they flew like a flash
Tore open the deadlights and threw up the sash
When what to their wondering eyes did appear
But a giant manta ray and diver in gear
The fully kitted diver so lively and quick
They knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.
Now the manta was a beautiful sight to all
Now dash away! Dash away, dash away all.
To Roca Partida the courses they flew
With remoras and St. Nicholas too –
Down the walls of the cleaning station with a kick
He looked like a peddler opening his kit.
His regulator drawn up like a bow
The beard on his chin was as white as snow.
A wink of his eye and twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread
But I heard him exclaim, ere he dove out of sight –
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Happy Holidays from the crew and staff of the Nautilus Explorer and Belle Amie!!
