The Day of the Three Kings—Argentina
‘Twas the night before Jan. 6, when all through la casa
Not a chico was stirring, not even a gansa;
Zapatos were set by the doorway with care,
In hopes that camellos soon would be there;
Los niños were nestled all snug in las camas,
While tres reyes magos were deep in their ganas;
Mamá in her pañuelo, and I in my cap,
Made me feel listo for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose un gran ruido,
Salté from the bed, I was so confundido.
Away to la ventana I flew like a flash,
Tore open las persianas and threw up the sash.
The moon that was shining, so bright and blanca,
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects en la tierra,
When, what did I see with mis ojos tan largos
But three 1-humped camels y los tres reyes magos!
They were dressed all in robes in majestic colores,
With regalos in sacks con fantastic olores.
I smelled myrrh and frankincense—spotted some gold;
They must be for Jesús, as the prophets foretold.
Their camels—how smelly! Their toes—fatigado!
Their mouths looked dry, their spirits inanimado.
“I can help you!” I cried, and brought hay and some water,
Los camellos filled up and dropped gifts for my daughter.
Los tres reyes magos put the gifts on her shoes,
And regalos and dulces for my three sons, too.
They mounted the camels and then nodded gracias.
“Vayan con Dios,” with help from estrellas.