The Night Before Squidmas
(As told by the "Tree Sub," about December 2010).
Twas the night before Alumni Tea and throughout the castle
not a student was conscious, not even RAs who hassle.
The anti-hangover machine had given Risley-ites much care
with hope that next morning a hangover would not be there.
And RHD Lauren was snug in her bed
While visions of dog Daisy danced in her head.
My roomie in pjs, and I in my onesie
Had just settled down for what sleep there may be.
When in the back courtyard there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a squid,
Pushed aside the curtains to see what they hid.
The moon light shone in the Risley Gorge,
No one was around, not even someone named George,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But three people looking to see if all was clear.
Then a car came from nowhere with a tree,
And then people appeared all filled with glee.
More rapid then eagles they carried it all,
when suddenly their names were called!
Now Slim, now Blonde, now Ropes, and Tall Guy!
On planners, and schemers, on security and prep, oh my!
Now through the snowy courtyard, and to the back room!
Now dash up the stairs! Dash into the foyer! Quick get the broom!
Away with the car, tracks blown away clean,
the tree squeezed through the door; boy it was mean.
With a puff and a silent pant of might,
the gigantic 17 foot tree became upright.
Now with the tree up and fastened, safely aloft
the watchers were called back, come quick, be soft!
Out they came, with lights and trimmings, these daring students
with sock-covered feet, they trimmed, under the eyes of Prudence.
Ladders tipping this way and that,
they prepped the tree for its new squid hat.
Lights and garland were wrapped all the way 'round,
puffy white snow pilled at the bottom in a mound.
Finally, ornaments were place on every bough,
and they stared and silently mouthed, "Wow!"
Soon the bright morning sun would stretch across the land.
They finished cleaning, and scurried away, just as they'd planned.
Then next morning, stunned and awed, RHD Lauren appeared.
"Whoever could have done this?" she laughed and leered.
No one had seen a thing, no one knew at all,
"Could it have been for Messiah's use of the Great Hall?"
That morn was Risley's 40th Anniversary Party.
The castle was filled with alumni, cheerful and hearty.
Everyone loved the gigantic, magical tree,
students added their own decorations, wondering, "How could it be?"
Environmental Health and Safety. Across the lawn they stormed.
They would not waver or budge. We must do as they informed.
Students and alumni together tipped over the shimmering prize.
Out the door they gingerly carried, all of its massive size.
Outside they sadly gathered, and decided the rules they could abide.
For there was nothing wrong with a beautiful tree outside!
Reborn, and shinning, it was indeed a glorious sight.
Happy Squidmas to all, and to all a good-night!