Friday 17 December 2010

YULETIDE VILLANELLE

Bring out the meat, the pudding and the beer
You're so excited, even as you groan
This Christmas business happens every year

When shelves of bread and milk all disappear
Make sure the empty larder's not your own
Bring out the meat, the pudding and the beer

To absent friends we drink and shed a tear
The number grows who went their way alone
This Christmas business happens every year

With vision blurred and feeling rather queer
From unaccustomed richness overblown
Bring out the meat, the pudding and the beer

They stumble as the train is drawing near
Or cry for words of comfort on the phone
This Christmas business happens every year

The angels told the shepherds, "Have no fear!"
We substitute a message of our own
Bring out the meat, the pudding and the beer
This Christmas business happens every year.

Will Hames
December 2010