02/14/2026
’Twas the night before the Cupid Classic, and all through the barn,
The livestock were ready, to win that grand prize with charm.
The banners were hung by the announcer’s stand with care,
In hopes that the judge soon would notice the hard work there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of ribbons and trophies danced in their heads.
And mama in her boots, and I in my cap,
Had just finished rinsing off show tack and show straps.
When out in the lot there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the stall to see what was the matter.
Away to the gate I flew like a flash,
Past buckets and bedding and feed in a stash.
The moon on the hay and the fresh washed show string,
Made the whole little barnyard look like a fairytale thing.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a trailer pulled in and the show crew was near!
With a driver so cheerful, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be a show stick!
More rapid than goats, the exhibitors came,
And they whistled and shouted and called them by name:
“Now Hereford! Now Angus! Now Dorset and Boer!
Now Hampshire! Now Shorthorn! Let’s head to the floor!
To the wash rack! To the chute! To the grooming aisle tight!
Now fluff away! Clip away! Get ‘em show-ring just right!”
Like dust from the blower that flies through the air,
The shavings went swirling up everywhere.
And then in a twinkling, I heard on the ground,
The stomping and snorting and pawing around.
As I tightened a halter and turned with a grin,
Down the aisle came the luck of the show rolling in.
He was dressed all in red, with hearts on his coat,
And his pockets were stuffed with treats for each goat.
A bundle of ribbons he had on his back,
And he looked like a sponsor just opening a pack.
His eyes—how they sparkled! His dimples—how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
He laughed as he walked past the calves in their stall,
And gave out good luck to the kids one and all.
Then he winked at the barn and said with a cheer,
“Good luck tomorrow—your champions are here!”
And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight…
“Happy Cupid Classic to all, and to all a good night!”
