Milestones: The night before swearing-in


‘Twas the night before swearing-in
And all through City Hall,
Every worker was waiting
For the big ax to fall.

Eric Williams pronounced
From his office enthroned,
“Get back to work, people,
Or from your jobs be disowned.

“No raise shall you get
‘Til the fiscal year turns!
Your work could be done
By Vance-Granville interns!

“I’ll speak to department heads
Regarding your fate.
The new City Council
Shall have a clean slate!”

All the poor city workers
Were hiding from harm,
When from council chambers
Came a fright’ning alarm!

From his office flew Eric,
Amidst mirrors and smoke,
Like Tommy Chong in a suit
After taking a toke.

And what was this noise
Just delivered by fate?
Why, ’twas Bobby Gupton
On the new ship of state.

St. Bob tipped his hat
And said, “How d’you do?
Come meet the new members of
The S.S. Henderson’s crew.

“This is Lynn Harper
Of Clean Up Henderson fame.
She likes to tow cars
And she won’t play your game.

“Do you know Garry Daeke?
He’s been around a long time.
A 20-year volunteer,
But now he’ll make a few dimes.

“As for the rest of these folk,
Well, they have all the same names.
Clem’s swabbing the poop deck.
He swabs both sides the same.

“Lonnie doesn’t say much
So he ran unopposed.
Now Ranger did too,
But he sure loves his prose!

“Mary Emma hates auctions,
Well, on Sunday, at least.
And don’t cross Mrs. Yount,
With a secret-meet feast.

“Last but not least is our
Mayor pro tempore.
If he’d just pay his taxes,
Then the city would score.

“You may think, Eric Williams,
That we have you to thank,
But if you cross the line,
Then you will walk the plank.”

With cannons a-volley
And the shore to the stern,
The Henderson sailed off
Very soon to return.

Eric Williams returned
To his office, quite meek.
Merry swearing-in to all,
May we get what we seek!