Xmas Homework .. A CHRISTMAS WISH

[Maureen K Clifford]

I'm cheating - this is not a new poem but don't think I have posted it here before.


A CHRISTMAS WISH ...Maureen Clifford © #TheScribblyBarkPoet

When Santa comes to visit in Australia each year
it really is uncomfortable for his much loved reindeer
who are used to cooler climates and Australia is hot
and this year is even worse than most - for bushfires we have got.
We've had no rain for so long now our country's dry and brown,
rain clouds we haven't seen for years, we think they've all left town.
Our country folk are frazzled , and most at end of their tether,
and the only thing you'll ever hear is talk about the weather.

They have quite forgotten Christmas for there's no dollars to spare,
every last cent that they owned has gone to keeping stock out there,
fed and watered, and it's tiring work, relentless, not much fun.....
so it's no surprise that Aussies folks are feeling somewhat glum.
Well Santa knew just what to do - he has a few connections
so first things first he organizes full rain cloud collections,
then nets to hold them, light but big and traces big and strong,
to secure them onto the sleigh for nothing must go wrong.

He then made contact with the transport union of Aus,
and explained the situation to them confident it was
not insurmountable - he knew the roos who usually did this leg,
would not be strong enough to pull this quite unwieldy sled.
But he heard the heavy horse brigade were willing to help out
with a team of hefty Clydesdales who were just lolling about
in paddocks dry and dusty, 'twas a challenge they'd enjoy
so he hired a team of seven and put them in his employ.

So come Christmas Day, farmers were out early, hand feeding stock,
when they saw a dust cloud coming and they looked, fell back with shock,
as they saw a team of Clydesdales, towing rain clouds down the road,
with old Santa up in shirt sleeves - "I'll be buggered! I'll be blowed"
one farmer was heard to mutter when he saw this crazy sight
as his dusty sheep scattered before the Clydies - left and right
whilst his cattle looking ribby, stood together in a mob
and were heard to cheer the Clydies on - "Good job ... Moo! Moo! Good job"

The dry and dusty parched earth welcomed the life giving rain.
Weather beaten careworn faces were seen to smile once again.
Little kids who'd never once seen rain, frolicked in all the puddles.
Small new born lambs stuck close to Mum all looking quite befuddled.
Some farmers did a rain dance, some women shed a tear
they all agreed that this was the best kind of Christmas cheer,
and Santa from his goody sack magicked some ice cold brew
with toys for all the children - no one missed out, he'd a few.

The Clydesdales were unharnessed, given water and turned out,
CWA ladies organized a big cook out
Chook yards were raided for their eggs, folks rallied round with food
and laughter was heard everywhere - rain had lifted the mood.
'twas just the best darned Christmas folks claimed they had ever had
and all thanked Santa and his team - and everyone was glad.
But Santa was the happiest - his face just glowed and glowed,
until he looked like Rudolph with a big shiny red nose.

[Terry]

G/day Maureen

Being a bushie myself for most of my life I know where you're coming from with your poem,
I particularly liked the reference to the CWA and the farming wives doing their thing.
There is something special about true country folk, so you really have to live among them for awhile,
to fully understand just what They're really like.

And you point out that there are some things far more precious than the glitzy pressies most of us give.

Well done Maureen and I'm hoping you have a wonderful festive season this year.

Merry Christmas.

Terry

[Ron]

Good one Maureen,
I agreed with Terry, a good soaking of rain at a most needed time is certainly better than any shop bought gift!
You have covered the hardships and tenacity of the bush folk, and all with a magical happy ending!
Cheers
Ron.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thanks Terry and Ron - delighted you saw my picture and a merry christmas to both you you and your families - stay safe ... mask up, play up and show up