'Twas late in the night, and throughout Rata Sum
not a creature was stirring -- no, not even one.
The garlands were laid out, the decorations prepared,
for, on the morrow, Wintersday would be there.

The progeny slumbered, snug in their beds,
while schematics of golems danced in their heads.
I'd bid goodnight to my krewe and turned off my station
and made myself ready for light hibernation

when from outside my lab there arose such a clatter
I sent my VAL-A to see what was the matter.
It rose at my bidding and trundled outside
and called out, "ALERT. DISTURBANCE UN-I-DEN-TI-FIED."