'Twas the night before DEADLINE And all through the warehouse
Not a carrier was resting, not even a louse.

The books were all staged For the last remaining routes
All awaiting the final “It is finished” shout.

The managers were balancing and recording book counts,
While visitors from headquarters verified their routes.

Our vans were all loaded, and jackets were on.

We had lots to deliver before it was dawn.

When suddenly the parking lot was filled with a fleet.
We ran toward the door to see who we would meet.

We reached the garage door with a jump and a leap
With a fast pull on the chain, we got more than a peep.

Though the lights were out and you could barely see
Several things quickly became very clear to me.

Though I must admit it was hard to believe
I saw what only necessity and prayers could conceive.

Hundreds of 12 and 15 passenger vans
Were arriving on site to help out this delivery man.

Runners and baggers and loaders too!
It took but a minute to know what to do.

We put on some coffee and started handing out routes
We might just make it now, with this new turn out.

The warehouse was filled with orders to share.
Anyone not listening knew they had better beware

For bundles were flying into vans out of sight
As baggers were tying near the speed of light.

“We are loaded. Let’s go,” was heard again and again
As crew after crew was ready to begin.

One by one the teams pulled into the night.
With a honk and a wave they each took their flight.

The hours ahead would simply fly by
Until these distributing angels would breathe one final sigh:

Each book is delivered and it is done right.
Many blessings to all and to all a good night.