Things We’d Like to See: An Insurer’s Christmas Carol

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the hood
Insurers were hoping their presents were good.
Their stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hope that their cupboard might be somewhat less bare. 

The CTO was snuggled all warm in his bed
As visions of blade servers danced in his head.
When what to his wondering eyes did appear?
Santa helping himself to beer. 

“Hey, Santa, now you’re welcome to have a brew,
But I’m hoping you have something here for me, too.”

“Chill out,” said St. Nick, “I’ve got your back.
I have the very thing to address your lack.” 

Santa reached into his lumpy red bag
And pulled out a cauliflower with a bright red tag.
“What’s with the veggies?” said the stunned CTO.
Wondering where this all would go. 

“Veggie?  Pshaw! This is a brain--
Something that can ease your pain.
Re-gift it to your CEO
So she’ll know technology won’t solve every woe.” 

Again St. Nick plumbed the bag
And now came a medal; a nice piece of SWAG.
“This is for courage,” said Santa with a grin,
“So you won’t be so cautious that you do your company in. 

“I know in insurance low risk is the game,
But too much of that makes your marketing lame.
I’ll give you as many of these as you need
But when it comes to courage, you need to take the lead.” 

It seemed that the old man still was not done.
A huge candy heart was the next bit of fun.
“This little gift is more than it seems.
“A reminder that ‘resources’ are people… with feelings, families, hopes and dreams. 

“When next an outsource or layoff comes to mind,
Remember that your own kin could be in that bind.” 

A brain, courage, and a heart—I know what you’re thinking. |
Maybe Santa was watching the Wiz while he was drinking.
But he said one more thing and of this you can be certain,
“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!” 

With a burp Santa drained the last of his beer
And whooshed up the chimney in a manner quite queer.
And all heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and in 2010… Get it right!”