Cuckoo Prank

Tradition held sway and little Jesus emerged from the cellar It had been cold and dusty next to coal and a pile of potatoes There was no water all year and wine bottles were corked up For the joy of Christmas celebrations and the feast of the Saviour He had not seen the light of the day for so long and he longed For centre stage once again like an angel in lonely retirement ‘Yes’ he shouted ‘this is my nest’ as he emerged with the manger Tinsel hung on the tree and the ornaments adorned his rebirth ‘Don’t know how Santa Claus avoids the flames but this is my show’ Out of the sheltering wrapper he came and looked at the scene Three kings gifted the fragrance of perfume and mulled beverage Children’s eyes glowed liked great balls of fire in anticipation Of peace love kindness and compassion to emerge with all kin Even the family cat would not be scolded if she ascended the twigs The little result of virgin conception could not quite understand Why he had been confined in his under-croft vault for so long Was he not the glorious bearer of good tidings not just for a day Maybe they might feed him a few gingerbread biscuits or a cuppa And he would make a speech about halting feuds and conflicts As well as not to feather one’s nest with neighbour’s belongings But just as he was ready to jump into the cradle he noticed that His place had been taken by Pinocchio with a broken off nose 30th November