Dear Father Christmas

For my friend and longtime mentor Ewain Roberts. bendithia chi.

 

Sorry this is just a tad late, 

and I know you'll be busy 

with lots on your plate;

that my heartfelt request is a

mighty big ask, but I trust that

you're willing and up to the task.

One.

Write me an programme,

complex as you can,

that confuses all things

that are built to go bang.

Let me weave it within

the machines that make war;

Along wires and conduits

through every the back door,

where it waits patiently

with one eye on the clock,

ever tasked to allow

just the tick, not the tock.

Two.

Make me a potion

to blend with the air,

that will know when a man

doth quite solemnly swear,

'tis the truth that he speaks

not some self serving lie, 

that once suitably clothed

he will seek to deny.

For each lie is a crack

in an unstable wall,

and each contributes 

to its consequent fall.   

three. 

Send out a message

that all men are free,

that none are born high,

none ought bend at the knee;

save unto the one,

who hath fashioned this place

and who gave not a thought 

to the difference of race;

who tells us that both

in our heart and our soul,

we are simply a part

of the sum, not the whole

Four.

On a slightly selfish note.

I know the weather is awful

and that both Prancer and Dancer

will doubtless overindulge on out of date

mince pies and cheap mulled wine, left out 

for them by a curmudgeonly old poet 

who hails from the wild hills of Wales. 

But could I please have some fluffy slippers

and a large box of Cadburys milk tray.

Oh, and I almost forgot, perhaps just one

little kiss 'neath the mistletoe.
Not that I'm desperate, mind you...   :))

Reviews

[Jimmy Yetts]

The granting of these, mostly high-minded requests, depends, of course, on your behavior during the previous year.
Have you been a good little girl?
Personally, I probably meet the good boy standard-- not having been given, unfortunately, many opportunities to be otherwise.
Eloquently entertaining poetry, B.

[gram linski]

what a wonderful wish list, think maybe the slippers and chocs are doable, the rest are a fanciful flight of wishful thinking, except for the mistletoe, lol, but isn't that the whole spirit of the thing, great poetry and sentiment, hope at least one of then comes true,

[Eilis]

A noble wish list, indeed. And, having such selfless wishes at the start, it’s lovely to remember the smaller things that bring personal pleasure.

I would love if your first wish could be accomplished. All of them really, but the first feels like a precipice that could be backed away from if we had our own power to say stop.

Hope you had a Happy Christmas, Beccy. And all the best for the coming year!

[R.E. Ray]

Ah, Beccy... at least the first three you're asking for a bit of the Old Man's magic? Maybe he should be the world leader. :) Despite what might be beyond Father Christmas's power, it's a charming plea one might see being read with a grin and a wink. If you're not granted number four, buy a puppy. He/she will kiss you all season, especially if you have sweets on your lips. A happy and fun read!

[Gee]

I do so very much enjoy reading you Beccy.
Hope you and the young fella are well.

Snogging Santa eh :)
Can't remember the last time I spotted mistletoe

[Terpsichore]

Great rhythm to this, and the message is nicely done, though I won't be holding my breath waiting for the 'suitably clothed' to mend their lying ways, cut from the same cloth, every one of them.

T

Oh, almost forgot, just popping out to buy some mistletoe. Not that I'm desperate either. :)

[emipoemi]

I love the Dr. Seuss Christmassy vibe to this, and you have absolutely juicy lines through-freaking-out!! ("In our heart and our soul/We are simply a part/of the sum, not the whole" - I needed a moment after that bit of genius). My only critique, if I may, is that if you're going to have fun and end the poem with a prosaic bit of nonsense, line the prologue up with its respective rhymes so it reads better....and it makes the last stanza more hilarious and surprising. (and careful with words that should be hyphenated and unnecessary commas).

This is otherwise a poem worthy of poetry. Well freaking done!!

[CD Campbell]

Oh Beccy. I hope you get everything you ask for. (especially number four) You? Curmudgeonly? Dont think so. I like this witty fun write even though there were some serious undertones attached. Combine my wishes with yours and I hope the come true. Have a good holiday.

[Beccy]

Not only am I not desperate, I'm not fussy either, so here's hoping. :))

The curmudgeonly old poet by the way, refers to the long time mentor I mentioned in my note below the title of the poem. He's in his late sixties now and was a tutor of mine when I was at uni. He lives in Borth-y-Gest, a small village not far from Porthmadog. I visit whenever I can, and Charlie thinks he's wonderful because he plays the both the piano and the guitar and writes his own music.

[CD Campbell]

Sounds like a great mentor to have. Let's raise a toast to curmudgeons everywhere. I'm sure I'll be joining their ranks shortly.

[Pete]

very clever. you've got a very noble but tall order. if wishes were horses than beggars would ride. cute, touching write. hoping you receive your heart's desire. stocking full and presents under the tree ... :)

[Lea Sheryn]

Sweet and very heartfelt, Beccy. Most enjoyable!