Holiday Poem

Written by, Suzy DeYoung

Twas the week before Christmas, when all through La Soupe
Not a volunteer was working, they all were pooped.

Our Fridge was stocked with donated food
In hopes that our elves would hurry back soon

Employees were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of volunteers danced in their heads

With Ali in her kerchief and Christophe in
cap, Had just settled their brains for a long winter's nap

When out on the dock there arose such a clatter
Corinna sprung from her bed to see what was the matter

To the window, Mona flew like a flash
Tore open the back door and threw up the sash

The sight of the Burrow Van on the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of hope of where it will go

When to my eyes should appear
But JOE and his team of big volunteers

With a little old driver, so lively and quick
I knew in a moment it MUST be Steve Hext!

More rapid than eagles the helpers they came
Zev whistled and shouted and called them by name

Now Janella, now Julie, now Karen and Ron,
Oh Theresa, oh Becki, oh Michael and John,

With Guy, Jeff, and Jenni not far behind
Candy, Jay, and Laurie, the best of mankind

Is Manda, Ralph, or Heidi nearby
Call Sansi, call Sheldon, they will know why

When Linda and Carole and Lauren arrive
Michelle and Beverly hand out the high fives

The taters, the onions, the carrots were chopped
By Ann, Gwen, and Campbell before they were swapped

For Michelle, Lee, and Nancy whose eyes started to water
So Janet, Nancy, and Marcia became the new martyrs!

At the top of the dock..to the back of the kitchen
Employees and volunteers worked with no bitchin!

The soupe simmers before the next delivery is made
When quarts are loaded, more elves come to our aid

As I drew in my head and was turning around,
Down the basement, Syd came with a bound

She was tatted in colors from her head to her toes
Hannah follows closely wherever she goes

A rack full of sheet trays she pulled from the fridge
Calling her friends to help just a smidge

The meals were packed by Kevin and Phil
Alae and Miranda taught them the drill

Dani upstairs called to Jared and John
Come quickly she said our market is GONE????!!!

Chelsey and Amy cried please “DO NOT FEAR”
Kara and Deb chimed “OH No OH Dear”

Melissa and Patsy came to their aid
While Rick confirmed, “Our bills have been paid!?”

Merret and Jackie now too are upset,
“What will we do, we’re breaking a sweat!”

Emmy came forward and promised a plan
And put out a call to our whole clan

Hey Kerry, hey Koree, hey Ashley and Ed
Hey Barbara, hey Katie, Leigh do not dread

Big D and Marco chimed in very quickly
“We’re in this together even if sickly”

Latoya and Lisa were quick to add
Maybe Ralph and Kristen found a new pad?

Jennifer and Margi walked into the chatter
Robert explained what was the matter

Where oh where did our free market go
Could this have something to do with dear JOE?

With a wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon let me know we had nothing to dread

He shuffled with Wendell across the big lot
And pulled back a drape, WHAT had he bought?

The beautiful new market with a roof and some heat
Refrigerators and freezers stocked full of meat

And laying his finger aside on his nose
And giving a nod, up the highway he rose

I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!