The First Day of Christmas

Now folks don’t get me wrong.
Carols are my favourite songs.
But times must come when 
A particular one bewilders me.
For on the first day of Christmas
My lover sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

Now the first day of Christmas
Is of course the great feast.
The twelve days of Christmas
End on Epiphany bearing gifts.
But can anyone explain
How on the first day
I’m to receive such a weird gift?

Questions arise: is the partridge
Alive or cooked?
And how big is the pear tree?
If it really exists in winter!!

Weird I say. So I’d rather munch
On my lovely mince pies.


PS Just written for want of better things,
I love the carol really.
If one can call it a carol!!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

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Legros Kelley Avatar
October 14, 2023 at 12:37 AM
I'm glad to see this Victor! I never wondered whether the partridge was cooked, but it was in a Peartree, so, I hope not? :) I'm glad I got to see this poem. I think I joined PS in 2021. I always wondered if each gift stood for a special symbol of meaning. Thank you for the soupmail referring me over to see this. It is a fun poem :)
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 16, 2020 at 10:50 AM
Hello Victor, it is not clear if the partridge is cooked or raw. Now you have me wondering. Merry Christmas.
Kendrick Avatar
December 16, 2020 at 4:45 AM
Yes, it is an interesting song for sure. Can you imagine trying to fit all that into one house? Thanks for dropping by with congrats. Sara
Crabtree Avatar
December 15, 2020 at 5:24 PM
I love mince pies :)
Rodrigues Avatar
December 15, 2020 at 3:44 AM
Love your questions! Giggling over here! I chanced to watch a kindergarten class singing the Hawaiian version (years ago). The sing of a “mynah bird in a papaya tree.”
Proxenos Avatar
December 15, 2020 at 2:38 AM
I love your questioning - it is a bit strange, never given it much thought mmmmm - will come up with an answer sooner than later! However, there isn't a Christmas Carol that I don't cry with, I get very emotional at church on Christmas Day although right now all gatherings even church have been stopped as we are in strict lock down due to second wave. Blessings and hugs, Jennifer.
Edmonds  Avatar
December 15, 2020 at 2:00 AM
A fun write Victor, love the song but never thought of it like that before. Imagine a partridge in a pear tree arriving at one’s door, cooked or alive - what a surprise... Belle:-)
Downing  Avatar
December 14, 2020 at 9:55 PM
Your humor got me smiling and hmm, yeah about that partridge... Lol! Awesome poem, Vic :)
Allison Avatar
December 14, 2020 at 2:36 PM
what a fun write Victor i love the irish version of the 12 days of Christmas song you should listen to it lol:-) hugs jan xx The Twelve Days of Christmas - Frank Kelly - With Lyrics
Dietrich Avatar
December 14, 2020 at 10:25 AM
I always do this song with my students (well in the days when I was actually WITH my students) I even have dance moves and charade like movements with the arms and legs to act out this song (there is a rap version to it that was really great) So it's just a FUN Xmas song. My all time favorite fun song is Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer, but maybe that one is not known in Europe!!
Buhagiar Avatar
December 14, 2020 at 10:40 AM
No, today is the first day I heard it. Funny too. ~~
Roper Avatar
December 13, 2020 at 3:07 PM
Love you musing my friend. And yes I am fine , but Peanut is missing me.
Crabtree Avatar
December 13, 2020 at 12:32 PM
This is really good, Victor. Made me smile :)
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 13, 2020 at 12:27 PM
Hello Victoer, yes the first dayof Christmas is not clear if the partridge is cooked or raw. You got me wondering. Enjoy your day my friend.
Andresen Avatar
December 13, 2020 at 12:15 PM
- A wonderful poem, Victor :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Theraven Avatar
December 13, 2020 at 11:46 AM
Victor, One of the mysteries of the ages is Christmas. I could see my way up to eight maids a-milking. But ten lords a-leaping would bring real trouble to my holiday. Mince pies seem sage advice. -Richard
May Avatar
December 13, 2020 at 11:40 AM
We need answers to that Partridge question, I enjoyed the humor in your write Victor
Pandit Avatar
December 13, 2020 at 5:11 AM
Good questions, Victor. Enjoyed the point of your poem. Of course you are not really asking as the line in the song is metaphoric-- but fun to explore! Your mind is active!
Jayasankar Avatar
December 13, 2020 at 5:04 AM
This was fun to read Victor... Enjoyed reading. God bless.. Have a great blessed day ~ Ani
Logan Avatar
December 13, 2020 at 3:18 AM
May I suggest you don't open your door to accept delivery? Your home would get WAY overcrowded with all those lords a leaping, and drummers drumming. And an aviary of birds! Swans in your pool, and where would you keep cows for the maids to milk? You might consider accepting a small package on day 5. Oh what a fun write, Victor.
Rodrigues Avatar
December 15, 2020 at 3:45 AM
LOL...Kim
Cunningham Avatar
December 13, 2020 at 12:08 AM
Yikes Victor, youve anothet 11 days yet, make room lol. Tom
Rodrigues Avatar
December 15, 2020 at 3:44 AM
LOL, Tom...Kim
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