The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Triangle
Not a teacher need check a participle that dangle.
All the grade books were left behind in their desks,
In hopes that winter break would give them some rest.

All the students were hanging out in the mall,
While texting their BFFs, ignoring Mom's call.
And Dad in his Hanes at home laying back
Had just settled down to watch the Wolf Pack.

When out on the street there arose such a clatter
Dad sprang from the sofa to see what was the matter.
Away from the flatscreen he flew like a flash,
Tripped over the xBox and opened a gash.

The lamp on the post by street down below,
Gave the luster of midday to the streakers below.
Yes, neighbors and kinfolk and friends all held dear,
Had cast off their clothes for reasons unclear.

Dad nursing his shin that now was bleeding,
Knew in a moment the naked were leading.
More rapid than cheetahs the nudists they ran,
And they sang and they cheered, "Next year will be grand!"

Now, Patrick! Now, Larry! Now, Erik! Now, Steve!
On, Neil! On, Tony! On, Jim! Just believe!
No crisis is wasted when minds it doth focus,
No magic is needed nor lame hocus pocus.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the challenge the leaders they flew,
Sans clothing and guile they knew what to do.

And then, in twinkling, we heard on the news,
TLA was peerless and reckless to lose.
As we listened and marveled and hoped in our heart,
Partners with good will would cause a re-start.

Howard with VitalSmarts came to the fore,
Gail with the Highlands she opened a door.
David and Quality jumped at the chance
To keep TLA solvent and still in the dance.

Tom and Dawnelle kept trainees quite happy,
Principal coaches and networks were never more scrappy.
Donna, Dave, and Steve kept home fires burning,
They steadied the ship and kept business churning.

And then there was MJ and SLN facilitators,
Out in the swamp they slew alligators.
MJ in the water and facilitators on the bank,
They all worked together regardless of rank.

Their eyes how they twinkled! Their dimples, how merry!
Their cheeks were like roses, their noses like cherries!
Their droll sense of humor was never more great,
Than when their consultant fees were paid late.

But they served all the APs, the principals and directors,
The teachers, custodians, even parents and hectors.
A Culture of Yes, TLA required,
A cadre of leaders with purpose inspired.

They spoke lots of words, and went straight to their work,
To fill schools and districts with leaders, not jerks.
Then laying their fingers aside of their nose,
And giving a nod, up the pipeline leaders rose. 

TLA and its leaders to the region gave a whistle,
And away they all led like the down of a thistle.
But I heard them exclaim, ere they drove out of sight,
Prosperous New Year to all and to all a good night!