I Didn't Start It - Really!

I was standing there innocently minding my own business when an electrician wandered up to the elevator and pushed the button. I had already pushed it and was waiting for the car to come back down. Then I heard humming. Undeniably, it was Winter Wonderland I was hearing. In a warm inviting baritone range. Complete with appropriate phrasing and dynamics and everything.

I glanced sideways at the gentleman in the brown overalls, scruffy flannel jacket, toolbelt dangling off his hips. He had a droopy moustache, the most sparkly brown eyes, full of mischief, and a round little belly -

My thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the elevator. We stepped in together, and I couldn't resist humming along as we rode up into the stacks. When I joined in on the melody, he improvised a harmony beneath, complete with sound effects, jazz licks and leg slapping rhythm. I started laughing and we both added words at the same time.

By the time we stepped off the elevator, we were singing at a level well beyond library silence mode. We stood at the elevator entrance and finished the song with dramatic arm sweeps and a wee dance step. Our performance would have held its own in any holiday program. He bowed, I curtsied, he kissed my hand and disappeared around the corner to the tune of applause from the few patrons on the floor below who had been privy to our serenade.

What a hoot! How do I get myself into these situations? I didn't start it, really. At least, not this time. But if you can't loosen up and play a bit around the holidays, its a sorry world. Sometimes you just have to make your own magic. I don't know where the man disappeared to - somewhere into the ductwork I suppose. I hope his day was as brightened as mine. And now, back to our regular program.