Wonderful Christmastime

Day 24: "In her poem, Duet, Lisa Russ Spaar tells the story of two sisters making music together, based on two pre-existing songs by different artists. Today, we challenge you to write a poem that involves people making music together, and that references – with a lyric or line – a song or poem that is important to you."

For a while now I've been wanting to write about bringing Jenny, my first baby, home from hospital. It seemed interesting to try using lyrics from songs from the Top 20 that week as a way of expressing how my mum and I were feeling. 


Wonderful Christmastime

No crib, no manger, just a bottom drawer,
Hastily emptied when the shop phoned
With an apology for the missing order.
She sleeps, unaware of her humble bed,
Tucked round tight in white,
Her blanket crocheted by her nan,
Who can't stop smiling
As she sings along with Paul McCartney:

        'Simply having a wonderful Christmas time'

My exhausted smile at the makeshift cot 
Safe on the G-plan glass-topped coffee table,
Is grateful for the refuge of a family home
Shared selflessly while we save for our own.
Worries are for tomorrow.   
                                                   Today I am lost 
In the curve of her pink cheek,
The soft fuzz of her head, her milky breath:

        'And I love you, yes I love you, oh how I love you!'



© Copyright 2025. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved.

Lyrics by Paul McCartney, and the Moody Blues.

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