The Ghosts Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the base
The agents were wrapping up every last case.
Their holiday party was coming up soon,
And they needed stuff done by the next afternoon,
But Hawkeye decided to stay in his bed.
He could be with others but rested instead,
But Coulson, who wouldn't have any of this,
Said, "Not on my base. Did I say you're dismissed?
You're going to come to the party this year.
Do you want to know why? You'll see soon. Wait right here."
Coulson departed. Clint fell back asleep.
He awoke to the ghost of a young white-haired creep.
"I am ze ghost of all Christmases past,"
Quicksilver proclaimed, flying 'round the room fast.
Then what to Clint's wondering eyes did appear
But his old circus home and a long-ago year.
Clint and his brother performed for the crowds.
Get Christmas off? They weren't allowed.
When old Barton watched this, he got Silver's point.
"I know why I'm here. Get me out of this joint.
You think that I'm bitter and angry and such.
The truth is that Christmas just doesn't mean much."
"And I thought you were slow. Well, goodbye. It's been fun.
Two more ghosts will come visit, and then you'll be done."
Soon Frigga's ghost swooped in and took Clint away.
The circus tent faded, though Clint tried to stay.
"Here's your next stop:" Frigga said with a smile...
"We're back on your base." "Can we stay here a while?
I just want some sleep." "Aye, but first you must see
The merriment had by your fellows, not thee."
Clint watched the whole party but still could not nap.
When he nodded off, the Queen gave him a slap.
The party dragged on, kind of dreary and lame
Until the last translucent visitor came.
Agent Peg Carter then whisked him ahead
To a much better party, filled with the undead.
"There's not much to tell," Peggy said, "but, my dear,
"Watch out for the zombie invasion next year."
Hawkeye reflexively reached for his bow,
But the zombies then poofed with the whole future show.
He found himself back in the present in bed.
He hadn't learned much, but he had a sore head.
He remembered it all, and he didn't forget
To tell Phil about next year's Christmas-time threat.
"Thank you for that fine intel. Now off to the party.
It's almost that time. You don't want to be tardy."
Clint did as instructed, still angry and tired.
Leaving would just get him haunted or fired.
"Phil wore you down, too?" he asked Nat at the feast.
"Nope. Bribed me with cupcakes – all tasty, at least."
"Good news: there are ghosts now, and zombies next year.
It makes a nice change from the holiday cheer."
The prospect of shooting stuff, plus some good food
Finally got him into the right mood.
He called out 'cross the room, "Cap, when you get the chance,
"SHIELD can summon up ghosts, and you owe one a dance."