They group was very pleased with this short poem since all the lines were decided by them. The idea of the Present Sense poem came out of a discussion we had about the giving and receiving of presents and how that can sometimes go wrong. The first line was a question that was actually asked (Is it alright to give money”) as a genuine query and the last line (“telephone call”) was the last line to be given and the whole group thought that it was a superb punchline to finish with.
I give money for presents – so that they can buy what they want.
Please don’t buy me – handkerchiefs, socks or aftershave.
I would like a slide rule – I want something that will last,
I don’t like smelly things – I want Armani perfume, not something that smells like fly spray.
Club together and buy me what I want – a coat or something useful.
I don’t want ornaments – I would just like a telephone call.
What candour, what wit, what knowledge – the bookgroup and I
Together with Helen, the memories fly.
Christmas is coming and reminiscences abound – from here to Barbados they all come around.
From Salvationists singing and the midnight mass – to Christmas kisses for a boy and his lass.
Creeping with parcels to children, but please – don’t make a noise, don’t even sneeze.
When we wake in the morning the turkey is cooking.
The smell is mouth-watering, but our presents are calling – so bacon and eggs, for now, will suffice.
My stocking is full – of chocolates and spice and so many other things that are all quite nice.
Now to church to gaze at the crib in its scene – while others have taken a bus to new places.
But we all return in time for the Queen.
First was the feast and our bellies are bursting – and while we doze we remember our blessings
We didn’t have much money, but whatever we did – there was laughter and smiles each evening
Our day had been lovely, but for many, maybe these memories are mixed.
Forget the bad ones – the good ones are fixed.
So, can I say “thank you” and wish you the best, perhaps next year we can all be blessed.
