12/06/2025
’Twas the Night Before Comp — Bow Shop Edition
’Twas the night before comp, when all through the shop,
Not a glue gun was quiet, not even a pop.
The ribbons were stacked on the table with care,
In hopes that perfection soon would be there.
The rhinestones were glittering, neatly in rows,
While visions of sparkle danced over the bows.
With fabric unrolling in maroon, cream, and black,
I prayed the last shipment was not held in back.
When out by the cutter there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my stool to see what was the matter.
Away to the trimmer I flew like a flash,
Nearly knocking down scissors, my coffee, and stash.
The vinyl was curling, the tails weren’t aligned,
And fifteen full orders were due — all assigned!
“Oh please let the heat press behave for the night,
I whispered while fixing a bow that looked tight.*
The girls need them perfect, they’re counting on me,
No wrinkles, no miscuts, no crooked rhinestones, please.
The loops must be even, the centers must pop,
It’s crunch time in here — this is the life of the shop.
Then what to my tired, mascara-smudged eyes,
Should appear but my checklist in miniature size.
With tasks bold and highlighted, each one in a row,
I knew in that moment how much I had to go.
“Now sparkle! Now shimmer! Now tails stiff and ready!
Now straight lines! Now crisp folds! Keep your hands steady!*
From the top of the table, to the last little bow,*
Don’t stop till they’re perfect — we’ve hours to go!”*
So I worked through the night, with caffeine by my side,
Fixing loops, pressing vinyl, adding rhinestones with pride.
And though deadlines were tight and the chaos was real,
I knew how those cheerleaders wanted to feel.
At last the bows sparkled, fifteen orders complete,
Each one with crisp edges and tails sharp and neat.
I packed them in boxes, all labeled with care,
So the team would have magic to wear everywhere.
And I whispered a prayer as I turned out the light:
“Happy comp to the team — and to all, a good night!”