A Christmas Poem: ‘Twas The Eve Of The Party’

But few had paid heed to instructions this year. There were bottles, and mixers, and cases of beer. Did someone say Joe was removing his jeans? He was seen on his way to the copy machines.

Elsa G. Ramos

‘Twas the eve of the party, and all through the land, All employees were stirring the drinks in their hands.

The bosses declared this a booze-free event, In hopes of avoiding last year’s incidents.

But few had paid heed to instructions this year. There were bottles, and mixers, and cases of beer.

Did someone say Joe was removing his jeans? He was seen on his way to the copy machines.

The last thing that anyone here wants to see, Are digital scans of his anatomy.

Oh no! There goes Bob with a mistletoe sprig. Someone stop him before he ends up in the brig.

The women don’t think that his antics are cute, A repeat of last year may bring us a lawsuit.

Now Susan is stumbling, someone please get her keys! She’s really impaired. Should we call the police?

An arrest in her state would be bad enough, But losing her job, too, now that would be tough.

She could easily lose control of her car For driving as drunk as if leaving a bar.

And what if she crashes? That would be such a shame. If someone gets hurt, is the business to blame?

She could hurt other people in case of a crash. Many lives changed forever in only a flash.

While Susan, as driver, would, of course, be responsible, The business, as party host, could also be liable.

Ignoring instruction this year once again May lead us to incidents causing much pain.

Employers and workers, I ask, heed these words. A drama-free party is really preferred.

Please know there’s a way out of all this – a fix. Alcohol and holiday parties don’t mix.

 This was originally published by Texas Business Today, a publication of Texas Workforce Commission. Elsa G. Ramos is Legal Counsel to Ruth R. Hughs – Commissioner Representing Employers.