Joe Mannix and the Night Before Christmas
Was the night before Christmas when up in the Paseo,
Joe rummaged in his fridge looking for mayo.
His pastrami sandwich laid out with Swiss cheese and dill
And chili and coleslaw and potato salad as well.
When down in his office there came such a scuffle,
Sure not what he heard; 'cause quickly it was muffled.
He strode to the stairway and peeked at the landing,
Nothing was there, not a person standing.
He returned to the fridge with no more than a sigh,
Must be getting old and jumpy was his thought why. Not finding the mayo, he settled for Russian dressing,
Better than nothing although not a blessing.
As he took his first bite, he heard such a clatter.
No doubt in his mind, something was the matter.
He tip-toed down the stairs mindful of the step that squeaked.
Bending low at the railing, again he took a peek.
Two elves in red hats with pom-poms flopped to the side,
Suit coats sprawled on chairs with wrapped presents beside.
His desk was cleared, covered with a white sheet
On which stood a small Christmas tree not yet complete.
With very few branches, the runt of the lot,
For last minute waiting, this was all that they got.
The couple of ornaments they scrounged from the trash,
Did little to provide the tree with panache.
Joe spoke not a word; up the stairs he snuck.
He had a surprise of his own if he had any luck.
He filled mugs with nog and gathered his gifts,
No time for stalling, he had to be swift.
From the top of the stairs, he flipped on the light.
The elves in his office almost died from fright.
"Hey, Adam! Hey, Art!" Joe said with Christmas cheer.
The elves blushed and then grinned from ear to ear.
"Merry Christmas, Joe!" they said as one.
Their Christmas surprise had now come undone.
Joe held out the tray and each took a cup
And toasted each other and the season's good luck.
With a knock at the door there arose such a clatter
Almost caused Adam's eggnog to splatter.
"Is this a private party or can anyone come?"
Through the door came Peggy and Toby, her son.
With stockings filled with candies for each one in the room
And carrying lights and ornaments to make the tree bloom.
Hugs all around from each man in the group
But then their attention turned to the little tree that drooped.
"I think we can save it," Peggy said now taking charge.
The men all snapped to attention like she was their sarge.
Carefully Joe hung all the stockings on the front of his desk.
Adam placed the ornaments on the tree limbs with zeal and zest.
Art and Toby untangled the lights that were knotted galore.
Peggy searched for the extension cord somewhere on the floor.
They took a step back, at the tree they did gander.
"Looks a bit lopsided," Toby said with candor.
"Maybe because it needs one of these."
When they swiveled as a group, it caused a slight breeze.
Standing in the doorway, Stefan, Joe's pa
Held a golden star that shined without flaw.
The star that came from the Mannix family tree
Was placed on the top with honor and glee.
Peggy flicked on the lights; the tree sparkled and gleamed.
Oos and ahs were expressed by every member of the team.
Christmas well wishes and laughs all around,
Presents for everyone piled high in a mound.
With Adam and Toby and Peggy and Art
And his pa, especially, warmed Joe's heart.
With his Paseo family gathered around the tree
Joe couldn't think of a better place to be.
He raised his mug with a toast to them all,
"Never had a better Christmas. Thanks to you all!"
- BJ Thompson