Two poems today: Thankyou for the terrific response
A Koala’s Christmas Carol
In a great, grey gum,
As daybreak crept.
Snoozy Koala
Slept and she slept.
Her branch was cosy –
Firm, yet snug.
It cradled her gently
In a eucalypt hug.
She was alone,
Just as she preferred.
No possums, no gliders,
Not even a bird.
But then one day
Something was wrong,
Her tree was humming
Some terrible song.
“Come along Snoozy,
You know that can’t be.
You’re losing your marbles,
It’s only a tree!”
But on went the music,
Through day and through night,
And the mystery choir
Remained out of sight.
The lyrics were strange
Words she did not know.
Like jingling bells
And reindeer in snow.
No longer at peace
In her comfy bed,
Those strange sounding words
Got stuck in her head.
She could take it no more,
The sound she must follow,
So she searched and discovered,
A glittery hollow.
But who were these folk,
All waiting in line,
And what was that painted
On the entrance sign.
“Christmas Committee
And carollers free.
Everyone else:
A five gumnut fee.”
“What is this nonsense?”
She wanted to know.
An owl said, “It’s the
Bush Christmas Show.”
She was curious now
To see this big bash.
But koalas really have
No use for cash.
She had no gumnuts
So she couldn’t pay.
She hummed as she
Glumly turned on her way.
Just at that minute,
Who should pass by,
But the chief choir mistress,
Madame La Magpie.
“Oh darling koala,
You’re just what I need!
Your pitch is quite perfect,
Just follow my lead.”
Now Snoozy Koala
Was usually shy,
But she couldn’t resist
And followed the pie.
In front of the crowd
She remembered each word
To all of the Christmasy songs
That she’d heard.
The crowd stood and cheered
As she took her bow.
She understood what all of this
Fuss was for now.
She hugged her new friends,
She’d had such a ball.
And she beamed as she cried,
“Merry Christmas to all!”
Kylie Covark
That Santa Man
It’s Christmas Eve and everywhere,
Children lie awake and stare,
Hoping for a single glimpse,
Of sleigh or boots or reindeer prints.
They leave out carrots, cookies, milk,
And stockings made of wool or silk.
They hang a sign that says ‘Stop Here,’
In hopes that Santa will appear.
But I’m a grinch, I am a scrooge,
I think that jolly man is rude!
Entering a person’s house,
Sneaking quiet as a mouse.
Break and enter! It’s a crime.
It’s not your house, it’s mine, mine, mine!
Keep your gifts and Christmas cheer,
I do not want it brought in here.
I’ve barred the windows, locked the doors.
I have no chimney, but that Claus,
He gets inside, I don’t know how.
I’ll keep him out this year I vow.
I lie awake, I will no doze,
I’ll catch that man in bright red clothes.
I’ll hand him in to the police,
They’ll give him twenty years at least.
The clock strikes midnight in the hall,
My eyelids droop, a far off call,
Says, ‘Ho Ho Ho,’ in chuckled voice,
I rouse myself and then rejoice.
I think I’ve caught him out this time,
But down the stairs what do I find?
Before my eyes a horrid sight,
Silver tinsel, baubles bright!
Wreaths and stars in golden hues,
Gifts inside my socks and shoes!
Candy canes and Christmas cake,
Fairy lights, for goodness sake!
Every inch from floor to roof,
Is decorated, there’s my proof,
He’s been and gone, that Santa man,
Thwarted again my Christmas plan.
And in my yard, what’s this I see?
There’s a live nativity!
Donkeys, cows and baaing sheep,
Baby Jesus fast asleep.
Mary, Joseph, wise men too,
Shepherds galore, what can I do?
It’s time that I admit defeat,
Time to surrender and retreat.
I’ll write a card to Mr. Claus,
For when it comes to Christmas wars,
I’ve tried my best but I give in.
Can’t keep him out. Santa, you win.
By Lynelle Kendall
