My school has an annual short poetry contest and I decided to enter it this year. The theme was our take on an original Christmas story. I picked the well known poem "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss. I need a lot of friendly criticism and ideas to improve my poem. The format must be AABB.

"How I Stole Christmas" by Carson

It was a cool Saturday night and the lights were out,
Everyone was asleep without a doubt.
I chose a window instead of the door,
For it would improve my stealth more.

I crept as silently as a mouse,
For my fortune was inside this house.
The presents and gifts were like gold,
They would bring me a great fortune if sold.

I counted the gifts as I put them in my sack, "one, two, three..."
This was all I could do to help me.
A light turned on and I froze like a statue,
A women came down the stairs yelling,"haha, I caught you!"

I bolted out the door in a hurry,
So much so, I remembered not to scurry.
All I remember that day was a faint scream,
And even today, I vow to be redeemed.

And that's my poem. Thumbs up? Thumbs down? Grammar issues? Anything to make this poem better. My deadline is Janurary 4, 2012 so there's plenty of time. Thanks a lot and Merry Christmas!