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