The title of this ode (it's true)
Means Merry Christmas, all of you
That's how it's said in Gaelic (Scots)
Though here it isn't said by lots
You'll have to Google, by the way
If you would know just how to say
This Gaelic greeting, for you see
It never has been wished to me.
For many years in Auld Scotland
The keeping of the Yule was banned
It is the Mass of Christ, you see
Which did not fill the Kirk wi' glee
And fowk who'd even hang a stocking
Could find themselves in coort - how shocking!
But nowadays it takes the place
Of Hogmanay, for the Scots race.
Well, Hogmanay, we keep that too
But hardly as we used to do
The open door, the shaken hand
Are fading fast within this land
For fowk are feared to be first footed
In case they're knived, and houses looted
Should auld acquaintance be forgot?
It seems it should by quite a lot.
Christmas? A mad rush round the shops
An overdose of alcopops
Some chronic rubbish on T.V.
That it what it has come to be
If Christ returned to this Noel
He'd likely think he'd gone to Hell
Instead of with the heavenly host
The Father, Son, the Holy Ghost.
Aye, I'm laying it on thick
But much of Christmas makes me sick
We eat and drink while others lack
Good food, and clothes upon their back
And salve our consciences, you see
By giving pence to charity
Have we forgot what Jesus said
On sharing wealth? I shake my head.
Well, I've bashed Christmas quite a bit
But I am not ashamed of it
The brimming wastebins in the street
Are filled with giftwrap - I could greet
Another landfill site to start
The planet weeps, 'twould break one's heart
Is this the blessed Christ child's plan
For this poor suff'ring world of Man?
A contest entry
- Christmas by Darc Soul 69.
700 points, ended January 6, 10 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
-
An excellent poem which not only fulfills the requirements of the contest, but manages to make relevant social observation and criticism as well.
Best of luck,
Bill
-
I really did like this entry, there is nothing wrong with letting your feeling's out, i never knew this was outlawed any where so I am learning alot of new thing's by hosting this contest. Thank you for sharing and best of luck to you in the contest
-
Christmas - a pleasure?
It is a stupid, pointless struggle to go to buy the things that no one wants or needs. We, myself included, fall for it every year and run about like the poor bloody headless turkeys. Tawdry papers and ribbons mean nothing. We send goats and cement to Africa, and feel good about ourselves (done this too), hoping I suppose, that when we have really messed up here, they will send them back. If they have not been fried by then.
The world is a mad, bad place and, if not for the love of our children and shame for our leavings which they will have to manage, what is there for us? I am told I have a really good sense of humour usually, but when I think about this I see a red haze of anger, then a grey one of tears. Was that too great a rant? I expect so. Oh Keith. What's to be done?? Would you have me pray? - I would if I thought it could help.
Sorry - need some sunshine and less clothes!! That'll be the global warming then
x Debs ps sorry - god I let rip. Have a fictional 300 clappy things but in reality, oh reality, 3 ! xx Hope to see you on my step with a big lump of coal anytime xx 2009 cannot be worse can it, bonny lad??? hmmmm
-
-
Nothing wrong with letting your feelings rip. A wee bit of prayer cannae do any harm. Who knows? It may even do some good. Today I went out happed up to the nines against the frost. A week ago it was mild. And now the bin motors are crushing up the Christmas cards. What, in the name of the wee man, is happening to the planet? Here's to the New Year!
-
-
Prayer then. Here's a prayer. May we all look properly out of the window tomorrow and see how ******* lucky we are. And, well, you know me a bit - I need to pray on the outside of the church looking north towards the downs. I think I will do that. Thank you Keith xx
-
-
-
I found this quite fascinating; I know little of the history when it comes to this being outlawed and such. The rhyme is solid and informative and I agree with you about the consumerism that has invaded the spirit of the holiday in many places. Thanks for bringing a touch of folkloric Scottishness, as well as realism to this contest.
-
-
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, and I'm glad you liked reading my rant. I've tracked down quite an interesting link for you, and I'd be honoured, if you have the time, for you to read it. And thanks for the link to this contest in the first place.
http://www.christmasarchives.com/scotland.html -
-
Thank you, I will like to read this in depth. I just ran across a recipe for the Black Bun when I was researching some other New Year foods.
-
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 8 of 8
