A Problem of Space
The fairy must have pride of place
She's ancient now, with tarnished wings
A smile still on her waxen face.
Put poor old Robin in that gap
He must by sixty years or more.
Careful now! Or that branch will snap.
The family's been a squeeze this year
With Tom and Hilda in the Spare
But always nice to have them here.
The twins will find the loft a lark
Aunt Kath upon the sofa bed
But where on earth shall I put Mark?
They never thing, the very young.
Of course he's always welcome too,
But he could have dopped a note or rung.
Thank goodness all the shopping's done
But is the turkey big enough
And food enough for everyone?
Is it the bell- who can it be?
Just carol singers I suppose
You finish off: I'll go and see.
Away she hurries to the door
Purse in hand to pay them off.
One verse you get, but seldom more.
And standing there in porchlight lare
Unsuited guests for Cedars Close
A sad, unfragrant, unwashed pair,
The girl expecting-almost due
In need of bath, clean sheets and bed
But what on earth am I to do?
She asks in cautious, distant tone
How can I help, while thankful for
The reassuring telephone.
Their wretchedness could be pretence
These days you never take a chance
Best send them packing, that makes sense.
Oh please, we've come so far today
That Joe and I are quite dead beat
So could you tell us where to stay?
Oh what relief! She's off the hook
And knows the very place for them.
She feigns her sympathetic look.
Why don't you try St George's Hall?
They do a lovely Christmas meal
I know they will have beds for all.
The girl's sad smile did not accuse:
But all the world's unkindness past
And yet to come, she did excuse.
The tree looks lovely. Oh well done!
You've found a place for everything.
Now Christmas really has begun.
But Nan we found this box of things;
A girl and baby, man with beard
And these three figures- are they kings?
Maurice Packham
Station Road
Horsham