A Cricketing Christmas Cracker !

Merry Christmas to each of my writer cafe friends and further to anyone who should read my festive poem for the festive season !

As I roved out one day on the 24th of December,
I carried in my possession, as I well remember
An old cricket ball to practice my bowling, 
I find this more engaging than simply strolling
And though you may find this  hard to believe, 
bearing in mind,  ‘twas Christmas eve
But listen to my implore and earnest entreat, 
this story is true, devoid of deceit!

When in position and ready to go, 
I heard a gregarious laugh and someone bid me “ hello”
then from out of the  lengthening shadows appeared, 
a gigantic man sporting a flowing, white beard
Slung over his shoulder a massive cloth sack, 
which he set on the ground from off his broad back
and from within he withdrew a new cricket bat, 
though nervously I pondered, what was he up to with that?

Then he looked towards me inquiring, please Sir if you would, 
throw me that ball and I'll break in this new wood"
so with my old cricket ball, I bowled at a very  fast pace, 
toward this stranger, impersonating the late W.G. Grace
as for all that I knew he may of well been,
for he was simply the best that I'd ever seen,
a talented batsman all dressed in red and white, 
who hit every ball that I  bowled, with expert timing and dynamic might!

Then he set down the bat with a mischievous grin, 
saying; “Well bowled but next time try spin
Now I must now leave I cannot stay, 
but thanks for the game and how well you play
As tonight many chimneys I shall descend 
for on me at this festive time, children depend
so please take that new bat its a present for you 
and take these parcels, for your good family too!

And just before I leave may I also say this, 
always keep faith in the spirit of Christmas
For a little imagination is good for soul
and what is  more,  it can turn dull brass into pure gold”
Then he smiled and with a comical wink, 
instantly disappeared within an eye blink
So off I headed  home just as it began to  snow 
and in the distance a voice cried out; "Merry Christmas,Ho,ho, ho” !

Author's Note

W.G. Grace was considered to be the daddy of cricket, born 1848 a medical doctor by profession and coincidentally was a large framed man who sported a thick beard throughout his lifetime.

Reviews

[icelandicblue]

This was wonderful Tom. I found myself fully engrossed in your perfectly rhyming story. It is such an uplifting piece and it's extra special because you found a clever way to work in your beloved cricket along with some of its history. Loved the whole magical piece.

[Tom]

Thank you ice'blue for your always uplifting sentiments !

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Tom... Love your colorful depiction of
Santa... I believe he knows every language
and culture. What a thrill to play cricket
with Santa... and a beautiful gift of a wooden bat.
I read this as though I were the Cricket on the
Hearth... Beautiful poetry. truly... Pat

[Tom]

Thank you so much Patricia for reading and reviewing my festive, fun poem!

[Patricia Wedel]

Tom... my pleasure... Enjoy the season of Spring
and all it brings forth. truly... Pat

[Joyce S. Greene]

Talk about imaginative, Tom, you have batted that ball over the fence! (perhaps that's just a baseball phrase, hope you get the gist.) This is a wonderful poem, and I'm still smiling. Guess Santa Grace figured his tip about the spin of that ball was part of his gift to you. hehe Hope your Christmas is a very good one!

[Tom]

Thank you Joyce for your always complimentary review & merry Christmas to you too !

[Lydia Shutter]

So no tidings of "comfort and joy" but instead tidings of Cricket? :) The rhyming in this one is downright charismatic and the description of Santa is so vivid, I could see him and hear him laughing! Merry Christmas to you, Tom. May it be all you hope for and more. Lydi**

[Tom]

Thank you Lydia for your festive, flavoured review !

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you for the beautiful wishes and greetings for each and every one to have a Merry Christmas and all given with a jolly good dose of Cricket tidings!! Wonderful, and THANK YOU!!

[Dr. Wood ?]

Pity he isn't an Englishman....Great slice of festivity Tom.....Merry Cricketsmas

[Tom]

Lol they sure could be doing with him & Thanks Dr Wood !

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Oh, another poem about cricket, Tom. You just can't live in here without cricket, can you?
Advance merry Christmas to you and your family, Tom. You're so cheerful and funny like me. LOL.

[Tom]

Like peas in a pod Dhaye & thank you for your receptive comments !

[Sami Khalil]

This was festive , cheerful , informative and alive with appreciation of the game and Christmas.
You always spread cheers and goodness in your wake...Marry Christmas...:)..........

[Tom]

That's the idea Sami & thank you kindly Sir !

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure...Any time...:).................

[Yellow Butterfly]

What a wonderful Christmas cricket tale...

Don't you just love Christmas.... :)

Merry Christmas Tom

[Tom]

Indeed I do YB & so nice to see you again !

[jacob erin-cilberto]

merry christmas back at you, Tom...

jacob

[Tom]

Thank you kindly Jacob !