Unfinished Gift, Egg Penguins, Clay Book Ornaments

Lament for an Unfinished Gift

The elves have been toiling night and day
This morning, they phoned and had this to say:
"We're not very glad. We're quite un-merry.
The gifts won’t be finished 'til January!"

The elves have been sacked; they failed the test.
I really hoped they would do their best.
But no one's to blame except myself.
Never depend on a hapless elf!

So what can I say? What can I do?
Nothing, but write this I.O.U.
I've learned a lesson I'll send your way:
There's no such thing as a 40-hour day!

This IOU to be exchanged for one gift which will be delivered in January.

Memorial services for the elves are to be scheduled at a later date.

Sworn to this 19th day of December

______________
Swearee