T'was the Night Before Xmas at Oceanic Defense

by: Samantha Whitcraft, Director of Conservation Biology & Research

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the ocean
All the whales were singing their pods’ sweet devotion.
The Sea Shepherds were at sea to take care
In hopes one day all would be safe out there...

Shark divers were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Whites and Blues swam in their heads;
With some in their OD shirts and others in Pro Dive caps
The ocean tribes settled down for a long winter’s nap…

When out in the bay there arose such a clatter
Every diver and snorkeler awoke to check on the matter.
Away to my window I dashed in a flash
Tore open the hurricane shutters and sash.

The moonlight on the bay’s tidal flow
Gave the luster of mid-day to the objects below.
When, what in my grateful gaze should I see,
But an orca, named Lolita, finally wild and free.

With a pod of Taiji dolphins, so lively and quick
I knew in a moment it wasn’t a trick;
Saved, alive and well, from the Cove they certainly came
They were Rissos, Bottlenose, and Pilot whales by name…

Now Humpbacks!, now Tuna! now coastal sharks and more!
Then seals! Then fishes! Then life from the sea floor!
Filling up the bright bay! up to the tallest sea wall!
We’re here to protect you! Each one and then ALL!

As their numbers before me then grew and grew,
I knew my Christmas dreams had finally come true.
So down to the shore I quickly did flee,
And there found the Aquatic Army just waiting for me.

And then, with a roar, I heard the Army exclaim
There’ll be dancing and singing, in victory proclaim!
As I joined the excitement and jumped in the sea
The waters rose up in greeting to thank you and me!

The whales how peaceful; the sharks now care-free,
The tuna and fishes; and corals how key.
Every mother and child sporting real OD style
While sharing the ocean and a huge Christmas smile!

Merry Christmas, Aquatic Army!

Peace,
Samantha