Out on a prowl on Christmas night, horns and claws he’s still lurking about
By Poch Eulalia
Naughty children beware
Of a tale known to scare
In this story we bare
A fright to raise your hair
The story of Krampus
Not too many have shared
For its details, quite pernicious
So much so, none is spared
In the land of the Alps
Where snow covers all scalps
As a way to forewarn
The tale of Krampus was born
The name Krampus, it comes
From the German word krampen
Defined as the claws
Like those of bears when out camping
An assistant to Saint Nick
One would think should be merry
But quite like a large tick
He’s all scary and hairy
Horns that stretch out
From the top of his head
Try to let out a shout
As Krampus fills you with dread
Naughty or nice
That’s what we all know
But with Krampus in sight
Here’s how it will go
On the right of his hand
A birch branch is in tow
Many lashings will land
Any kid that brings woe
On his back is a sack
Not for presents, dear reader
Naughty kids he will pack
Off to hell for its heater
To honor his memory
Comes the big Krampuslauf
Since its birth in the 12th century
It’s a sight goths would love
Parading the streets
Dressed as the hideous Krampus
Youths in goat or sheep skins
Dance around to entice us
In the end, you might think
Why even celebrate the Krampus?
Quite a holiday stink
If it’s dread that he brings us
But perhaps he’s a reminder
Of what’s truly important
To be nice to others
Despite our discordance