Re: Merry Christmas
'Twas the night before Final, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The sheathing was hung from the stud bays with care,
In hopes the inspector soon would be there.
When out in the yard there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my job shack to see what was the matter!
Away to the front step I flew to be sure,
Tore open the padlock and threw open the door.
The moon shone on the heads of some scattered nails,
Guess we should have been better at collecting in pails.
When what to my wondering eye should I see,
But a miniature car, "For official use only."
With a little old driver and a cheery demeanor,
I knew in a moment it was the inspector!
More rapid than eagles his corrections they came,
And he whistled and shouted, and called them by name:
"Now foundation! Now framing! Now electric and plumbing!
On mechanical! On fire protection! On accessibility and lighting!
To the top of the curb, to the tip of the peak.
Now fix it all, fix it all; fix it all as I speak!"
As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky.
So up to the siding his notice it flew,
A red tag? No silly, the joke is on you!
...Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!