…too late…
I could feel rumblings already, in the marrow of my bones,
how dreadful a cause itched my frosty red nose.
Scotch taped trappings shivered down from stained walls,
as a chorus of carols rocked sadly decked halls.
It starts just like this, hints of peppermint & pine,
flashing red & now green,
flooding rum & mulled wine.
Bundled up joys pushed by Teflon wrapped cotton puffs,
strolling aisles of ruin down rivers of mud & slush.
Rubber souls squeak like high school gymnasiums
but no race held here, more a maniac maelstrom.
It’s “Jumpin Jehovah’s X-Massive Bonanza!
Rock-bottom prices for whatever ya git yer hands on!
There’s the Ever Evolving Electronic Squares,
them Bright Shiny Circles come cheaper in pairs.
We got Mistletoe rugs fer kissing sum ass,
about a million Little Cheapos, come already in the trash.
Our Flashy Noise Popper’s a big seller so far
but the winner, as always,
The Johnny Jinglestep Pocket Bar!
Paper or plastic, to pay or for bags,
don’t forget gift-receipts and removing price tags.
Now, always remember, keep it fresh in your mind,
you have to stampede, YYYEEEEHHHAAAWWW!!!
or prices will rise!
Pay no mind to:
fingers, small children, ominous strangers or emergency phones.
Check all “Communi T.V.” lists twice for new “Sanityze Zones”.
Now listen up folks, your attention please…
…no, over here…
For the first time anywhere, legalized this year,
made famous by headlines, due to popular demand…
last item homicides are encouraged,
and!
there will be a band.
All weapons will be checked…
for defects at the door.
Creative kills win points,
points discount items more.
Televised world wide, 24/7, Pay-2-View,
watch from home, home office, or all Fallen Church
Aluminum foiled Rabbet ears or true-balls HD,
black & white, color projection or LCD.
This television broadcast does not discriminate.
Oh! And a friendly reminder, the raffle drawing’s at 8!
Tickets can be found absolutely anywhere you could be.
Non-participation is unacceptable,
punishment - dealt out swiftly.
Though official state curfew extended ‘til 12,
Still not recommended: Quad 4 in New Hell.
Your friendly “Social Eyes” will be out in full force.
Fully armed, fully fueled, fully prepared for the worst…
standards
for your “Eyes” can be read on The Wall,
General Lee warns strongly to not read it all.
If you find yourself placed in a “Social Interaction”,
please lie on the ground, await further instruction.
Injury and life-loss are common complaints,
though, no need to worry, “Social Eyes” learn from mistakes.
Anything not covered, you’ll surely find out.
Best not be in the open when the shop clocks run out.
All stipulated rules are subject to change
without prior notification or attempts to explain.
Everyone is in play, no boundaries save one,
cross through the white gates, your holiday is done.
And with that, the horn screamed from all wall mounted speakers.
My rag covered smile running sideways from ether.
Spilled out to the tunnels with our GI red sacks
“Ho-Ho mother fuckers…X-Mass is back!”
