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