Jumping up on a corner soapbox Zakk pulled out a piece of paper and began to read aloud for all to hear.

Twas the night on the streets before Christmas, in the city’s dim light,
Not a wiseguy was stirring, not even for a fight.
The fedoras were hung by the coat racks with care,
In hopes that Saint Nick—or maybe Saint Heat—soon would be there.

The crew was all nestled, each wiseguy and dame,
While visions of takeovers danced in their game.
SlimRagnarok lounged, with a cigar in his teeth,
Plotting the next hustle, and maybe some mischief beneath.

Jezebel leaned by the alley, her eyes sharp and cold,
A pistol tucked neatly, her loyalty sold.
PlagueDoctor adjusted his mask, a sinister grin,
Keeping the crew safe from the rats and the sin.

BigDaddy182 snorted, counting the stash,
Dreaming of cash moves, and maybe a clash.
Spicoli just laughed, tossing dice on the floor,
Carefree in chaos, yet ready for war.

When out on the street there arose such a clatter,
They sprang from their hideouts to see what was the matter.
Away to the window they flew like a flash,
Not to spy on the snow, but the night’s own clash.

The moon on the alley reflected off steel,
Gave the luster of moonlight to every tough deal.
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But a figure in black, with a guitar, drawing near.

With a strum of his strings, so lively and quick,
They knew in a moment it must be Zakk Wylde’s trick.
More rapid than bullets his riffs came and went,
Each note a threat, each chord money well spent.

“Now Slim! Now Jezebel! Now PlagueDoctor and crew!
On BigDaddy! On Spicoli! I’m comin’ for you!
Play it smart, hit the streets, keep your heads low,
Or my guitar’ll tell all the secrets you know!”

He strummed, he bent, and he wailed in delight,
Turning the alley into a shadowy night.
The crew all stood frozen, respect in their eyes,
Knowing in Zakk’s music, no room for lies.

So back to their corners, the crew slinked away,
The streets held their breath ‘til the next daring play.
And I heard him exclaim, as he vanished from sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good fight!”