And caroled away

Twas two weeks before Christmas, when all through the house

The Gills were all lounging, yes, even the mouse;

(Wife’s note: it’s a Chinchilla, not a damned mouse!)

The tree it was standing, but no other sign

Was showing their holiday spirit so fine;

The Wifey was resting, her second day back

From hospital stays and a nurse we called Jack;

(Wife’s note: his name was Roy, NOT Jack!)

And Evie was playing, annoying the dogs,

While they sat on Wifey like smelly old logs,

My mother was upstairs and quilting away,

With vive that was turning her son’s hair quite gray,

And I at my desktop, e-shopping of course,

Was alarmed at mad barking: volume and force!

I flew down the stairs knowing not what we faced,

Dread pirates or pumas? The dogs and I raced;

What did I hear as I made my fair landing?

Singing not raiding had dog hackles standing,

So Evie and I pushed the crazy dogs back,

Opened the door, then were taken aback,

Was it a seller of wares from distant Zupanja?

Our friends gathered ‘round, like holiday ninja,

(Wife’s note: you would NOT believe the effort he expended on that rhyme)

They had secretly planned and sneakily run

This cheerful yule mission to bring us some fun,

My family and I, stood both shocked and amazed

This statement of love left hearts warmed and eyes glazed,

Our friends stood there singing and braving the cold,

Gifting us kindly with presents like gold;

Their friendship’s the finest the world has to grant,

Expressed through their presence and Christmassy chant;

The smiles all remembered the laughs always held,

So long after sounds of their singing dispelled,

With love and affection we think of that day,

Our friends came together and caroled away;

Our Christmas came early our friends got it right,

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!