2005-12-26

T’was the week before Christmas and all ‘cross the lot
We built a red wonderland with trimmings we’d got
From debris piles ‘round Biloxi…and we built it with care
Knowing the children soon would be there.

Matt and Philip built a tree special to burn
Whilst the frontloader from Daewoo did make a few turns
‘Round the other tree with Tom hoisted high as its load…
So he could hang the ornaments, the lights and the bows.

500 some presents with a donation we bought
To give to the children who otherwise’d have not
We wrapped and we wrapped and we wrapped and we wrapped
Amazed I was that no elves had snapped

Austin made us all stockings, a mantle and fireplace
Then away back to Mammoth, barely out of her ankle brace
Michael from Kentucky our Santa would be
By virtue of his good nature (and white beard, to a degree)

Spoon arrived just in time…in his cooking we did revel
(I have it on good authority he traded his soul to the devil)
Doughnuts in the morning and turkey at night
To eat so well in a disaster area just doesn’t seem right

At 5pm sharp on the day prearranged
The children were greeted by elves (only slightly deranged)
And whisked up to Santa’s lap where they sat
Even the monk couldn’t help but pop in for a chat!

The toys flowed through the evening to the children with cheer
Their giggles and laughter so wonderful to hear…
…When what to our wondering eyes did appear
But the last of the children and the first of the beer!

Along came others to enjoy our tree burn*
Mostly other volunteers who for home may have yearned
We burned and we laughed,and we drummed and we danced
And by the joy of the evening were thoroughly entranced

(sharp observers will notice that behind the paper mache star, Matt Deluge had build a wooden man atop the tree--you can just make it out in this photo)

Cross coals to the music, on bare little feet,
Marched Chaos Matt and Eli, right to the beat.
And though they got scorched a wee little bit
Their pyro performance was the evening's big hit!

From us in Biloxi a wish for happiness this season
And if you get the itch to do a little MOOPing (for some reason)
We'll always welcome some good volunteers
If you hurry you can make it by New Years!

--Happy Holidays
Michelle