’Twas the night before Publix, and all through the town,
Not a cart wheel was turning, not even a sound.
The banners were hung by the entrance with care,
In hopes that the shoppers soon would be there.
The locals were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of BOGOs danced in their heads;
With fresh subs and sushi, and cookies to bake,
They dreamt of the smell of fresh doughnuts and cake.
When out on A1A there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my hammock to see what’s the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a breeze,
Threw open the shutters and peeked through the trees.
The moon on the dunes and the sand’s silver glow
Gave a shimmer to everything waiting below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a convoy of trucks with the Publix green gear!
With a driver so cheerful, not surly or glum,
I knew in a moment—it must be the Plum!
More rapid than seagulls the workers they came,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
“Now Deli! Now Bakery! Now Produce and Meat!
On Seafood! On Pharmacy! Aisle nine, make it neat!
To the top of the shelves, to the end of each wall,
Now stock away! Stock away! Stock away all!”
Like sand dollars swirling when sea breezes fly,
They filled up the aisles with a sparkle of pride.
So up to the checkout the workers they flew,
With arms full of spinach, and a fresh Mountain Dew.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard from the store
The hum of the lights and the whoosh of the door.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
Out came Mr. George’s spirit—still Publix-proud!
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his task,
And filled every display—no need to ask.
And laying a hand on the store’s shining sign,
He smiled at the sight of the bright, happy line.
Then he winked and he said, as he vanished from view,
“Be kind, shop happy, and keep it Publix true.”
And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight—
“Happy Shopping to all, and to all a good night!”
@Publix @ActionNewsJax @wjxt4 @WESH
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