A Twist on the Twas

By Barbara Reinhold

'Twas the day before Winter Break, and Laurie went through the place.
Hollering “Where are you, Jim? Where are you, Chase?”
The pots and pans where hung in the kitchen with care,
Brandon, Chris, Naj, Wolfgang and Shawn were in hopes the food and crew would soon be there.

The drivers were nestled all snug in their jackets and hats,
With visions of tires not going flat.

And Ambika in her scarf, and Nancy in her cap,
Had just settled their brains for the menus were finally a wrap.

When out in the warehouse there arose such a clatter,
Steve1, Steve2, Steve3 sprang from their offices to see what was the matter.

Away to the bay door Justin flew like a flash,
Tore open the door, and threw up the sash.

When, what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But Dave1 and Dave2 with all the shining white vans.

With a wink in their eyes, so lively and fine,
They knew in a moment they had to be on time.
More rapid than eagles, the drivers they came,
Whistling and shouting and calling them by name:

"Now, Antonio! Now Francisco!
Now, Mike and Meng!

On, Jordan! On, Jesse!
On, Casey! On Laci!

On, Bubba! On, Bob!
On, Thomas! On, Andres!

On, Darrin and Jonathan!
On, Cortez! On, Issac!

On, Jim and Miguel!
On, Scott! On, Paul!
Oh, Linda too!

Out to the parking lot!
With boxes and pans all tight in their big black bag.
Now dash away! Dash away!
Make sure not to lag.”

As all went back to the offices, a noise came, turning them around,
Out of the kitchen Matt came with a bound.

He was dressed all in black, from his head to his foot,
And he looked around to find someone with input.

Katie and Shannon appeared with bundles of toys flung on their backs,
With Matt looking; just wanting to open the sacks.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

With a wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon all knew they had nothing to dread.

Samantha, Barb and Tyler spoke not a word, went straight to the work,
Filled all the backpacks, with goodies and no homework.

Nancy sprang to the front and with a nod to her team she gave a cheer,
And all of us gathered to remember the great year.

As the calendar turns and students head home in high-gear,
CKC exclaims, "Happy Seasons to all, and a Merry New Year!"