Poster poems: Christmas | Books

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Please write some more of the latter</p> </div> <ul id="content-actions"> <li> <div class="pluck-init-block" id="comment-info-related"> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/17/poster-poems-christmas-poetry#start-of-comments" class="comment-count-info comment-icon">Comments (<span class="comment-count">…</span>)</a> </div> </li> <li class="third-party-tool "> <a id="buzzlink" href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://uk.buzz.yahoo.com/buzz?publisherurn=the_guardian665&targetUrl=http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/17/poster-poems-christmas-poetry&summary=%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBilly+Mills%3A+%3C%2Fstrong%3EThe+festive+season+has+produced+a+great+deal+of+mushy+doggerel%2C+but+plenty+of+beautiful+poetry%2C+too.+Please+write+some+more+of+the+latter%3C%2Fp%3E&headline=Poster poems: Christmas |Books |guardian.co.uk">Buzz up!</a> </li> <li class="third-party-tool"> <a id="digglink" href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://digg.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guardian.co.uk%2Fbooks%2Fbooksblog%2F2009%2Fdec%2F17%2Fposter-poems-christmas-poetry&title=Poster+poems%3A+Christmas">Digg it</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div id="content"> <div id="article-wrapper"> <div class="image"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Books/Pix/pictures/2009/12/17/1261065723969/Michael-Landys-Christmas--001.jpg" width="460" height="276" alt="Michael Landy's Christmas tree"/> <p class="caption">Michael Landy's interpretation of the Christmas tree at the Tate Gallery in 1997. Photograph: Martin Godwin</p> </div> <p>Well, it's that time of year again. Last year I dodged the Christmas bullet somewhat by calling for your <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2008/dec/19/poster-poems-food-drink ">poems on the subject of food</a>, but this time around I've decided to embrace the season wholeheartedly. Yes, I'm after your Yuletide verses.</p><p>There are, of course, lots of Christmas poems; having conducted a rigorous poll of one person, I've found that the most famous of them all is <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.carols.org.uk/twas_the_night_before_christmas.htm ">Twas the Night before Christmas</a> by Clement Clarke Moore. The little fat man with the white beard; the reindeer; the sleigh full of toys; the snow: this poem contains all the elements of what we have come to think of as the traditional Christmas scene, even though we actually know that this version of the festival is a Victorian invention.</p><p>However, the feast of Christmas is far older than Prince Albert, a fact that we are reminded of most forcibly by two rather wonderful 17th-century poems, <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.carols.org.uk/ceremonies-for-christmas-carol-robert-herrick.htm">Robert Herrick's Ceremonies for Christmas</a>, with its images of food, drink and the Yule fire, and <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.carols.org.uk/a-christmas-carol-george-wither.htm">A Christmas Carol</a> by George Wither, which adds the age-old tradition of bringing winter greenery indoors for the mid-winter festival. The vision of Christmas that is represented in these poems was remarkably resilient and enduring; there is a strong thread that links them to Wordsworth's <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.carols.org.uk/minstrels_william_wordsworth.htm">Minstrels</a>, a poem that dates from the very cusp of the Victorian era.</p><p>These three poems also serve to remind us that Christmastide has long been associated with music and song, and most of us will have a much-loved carol or two we like to sing along with. My own favourite is <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.carols.org.uk/the_holly_and_the_ivy.htm">The Holly and the Ivy</a>, with its echoes of older, pre-Christian December celebrations. </p><p>The 19th century also appears to have been the time when Christmas became associated with hearth, home and the family, as so many things did under Victoria, and this resulted in a good deal of very sentimental versification. Robert Louis Stevenson's <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.blupete.com/Literature/Poetry/StevensonChristmas.htm">Christmas at Sea</a> is as maudlin as you could ask for, but, as you might expect from Stevenson, it's rather better written than most poems of its ilk. It would be all too easy to mock this slushy view of the festive season, but before you give in to cynicism, I feel I should remind you of the fate of the hero of Ogden Nash's <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.famous-poems.biz/Christmas_Poems/The-Boy-Who-Laughed-at-Santa-Claus-poems-by-Ogden-Nash.htm">The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus</a>.</p><p>Many 20th century poets, including some of those who are considered difficult or elitist, wrote excellent Christmas poems. TS Eliot's <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.ishk.org/school/poem/poem_013.html">Journey of the Magi</a> is extremely well-known; perhaps less popular, but no less enjoyable, is EE Cummings's <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.poetryfoundation.org/archive/poem.html?id=176724">little tree</a>, a poem that seems, to me at least, to combine Victorian sentiment with rousing singability.</p><p>Of course, the songwriters of the last century also found inspiration, and a decent source of income, in marking Christmas. Many of their songs are emblematic of the modern Yuletide, some are unbearably mawkish, others are just unbearable. But there are gems amongst them, and my personal favourite is the little-played <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://jonimitchell.com/music/song.cfm?id=8">River</a> by Joni Mitchell.</p><p>And so I invite your seasonal poems. You may be cynical, wide-eyed, sentimental, disgusted by the rampant commercialism you see all around you, or simply exhausted from shopping. One way or another, I hope you'll feel inspired. And so it just remains for me to say, in the words of the poet, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"</p> </div> </div> <div id="related"> <div class="blog-byline"> <span>Posted by</span> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/billymills" name="&lid={blogBylineContributor}{Billy Mills}&lpos={blogBylineContributor}{1}">Billy Mills</a> Friday 18 December 2009 <span class="timestamp">08.00 GMT</span> <span class="byline-publication "> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/">guardian.co.uk</a> </span> </div> <ul id="article-toolbox-side"> <li class="printable"><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/17/poster-poems-christmas-poetry/print" rel="nofollow" id="printlink" class="printable rollover" title="Link to a printer-friendly version" name="&lid={pageToolbox}{Printer-friendly version}&lpos={pageToolbox}{1}"><img 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<input type="button" value="Yes, close" id="abuse-close-confirm"/> <input type="button" value="No, return to text" id="abuse-close-cancel"/> </p> </div> <div id="abuse-thank-you-area"> <p>Thank you <input type="button" value="Close" id="abuse-close-thank-you"/> </p> </div> <div id="abuse-pluck-error-area"> <p>Sorry, something has gone wrong and this action cannot be completed. <span>Please try again later.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="pluck-comment-block" class="pluck-comment-block js-hitbox-tracked pluck-comments-container"> <div> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-1"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/BillyMills" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/4/4/249edf7c-6b2f-4c90-8476-438026a1b3ae.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="BillyMills"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/BillyMills"> BillyMills </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 8:38AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Staff"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://static.guim.co.uk/microapps/server-side-pluck/images/icons_contributor_28.gif" width="28" height="28" title="Contributor" alt="Contributor"/> <span>Contributor</span> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas everyone.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:788e4959-56ec-4dbe-ba80-7bfd54ea27b0"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:788e4959-56ec-4dbe-ba80-7bfd54ea27b0" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:788e4959-56ec-4dbe-ba80-7bfd54ea27b0')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:788e4959-56ec-4dbe-ba80-7bfd54ea27b0" class="high-recommended">(7)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=788e4959-56ec-4dbe-ba80-7bfd54ea27b0&commenterUserName=BillyMills&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:788e4959-56ec-4dbe-ba80-7bfd54ea27b0" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-2"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/justinward" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/2/15/a2878f3b-976a-430b-bfb7-f9b252b5939b.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="justinward"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/justinward"> justinward </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 10:00AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>He would rather be at home now. <br/>The Christmas snow he promised, <br/>did not hear him go; <br/>It did not last. </p><p>I woud rather he went away now. <br/>The gift he made was left off the list, <br/>As if light was sin; <br/>like his shadow cast </p><p>They would rather you stay. <br/>Maybe Christmas is not the best time, <br/>maybe its not the least; <br/>you do to think you win.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:6545676b-120e-4d11-a200-0d3a7925b97f"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:6545676b-120e-4d11-a200-0d3a7925b97f" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:6545676b-120e-4d11-a200-0d3a7925b97f')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:6545676b-120e-4d11-a200-0d3a7925b97f" class="high-recommended">(5)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=6545676b-120e-4d11-a200-0d3a7925b97f&commenterUserName=justinward&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:6545676b-120e-4d11-a200-0d3a7925b97f" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-3"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/MeltonMowbray" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="MeltonMowbray"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/MeltonMowbray"> MeltonMowbray </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 10:01AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Christmas leftover </p><p>It's Christmas at the Mowbray house, <br/>the puce-coloured walls are hung <br/>with the tatty old decorations <br/>bought in nineteen eighty-one. <br/>At two o'clock the family enter <br/>to take their various stations <br/>about the groaning festive board <br/>and begin recriminations. </p><p>Oh, not bloody turkey again! <br/>You knew the menu a week ago. <br/>Did I tell you I'm a vegan now? <br/>Often. This rabbit food is not for show. <br/>God I bloody hate champagne! <br/>This crate of WKD's not for me, old chap. <br/>I'm detoxing, I'll just have water. <br/>I think you know where to find the tap. </p><p>So the ancient ritual follows its course, <br/>running on a predetermined line, <br/>the Mowbray seniors hit the bottle hard, <br/>their children savour a vintage whine. <br/>This meat's too dry, these spuds are hard, <br/>this veg is overunderdone, <br/>are there animal products in this pudding? <br/>Only eyes and bits of lung. </p><p>I've had enough, I'm going round Nick's. <br/>Yeah, laters, I got some texts to send. <br/>While Mrs Mowbray calls the relatives, <br/>Mowbray rises and unsteadily wends <br/>his weaving way to the sitting-room. <br/>he adds a glass of grain to grape, <br/>unrolls his body on the sofa, <br/>watches and dreams of the Great Escape.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:adb9793f-f7ce-4ff0-92b7-d94ae43966d5"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:adb9793f-f7ce-4ff0-92b7-d94ae43966d5" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:adb9793f-f7ce-4ff0-92b7-d94ae43966d5')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:adb9793f-f7ce-4ff0-92b7-d94ae43966d5" class="high-recommended">(9)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=adb9793f-f7ce-4ff0-92b7-d94ae43966d5&commenterUserName=MeltonMowbray&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:adb9793f-f7ce-4ff0-92b7-d94ae43966d5" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-4"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/MeltonMowbray" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="MeltonMowbray"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/MeltonMowbray"> MeltonMowbray </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 10:04AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>All right, so it's a retread. Isn't Christmas?</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:0b30493c-641d-4401-bd21-a1adb907ae26"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:0b30493c-641d-4401-bd21-a1adb907ae26" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:0b30493c-641d-4401-bd21-a1adb907ae26')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:0b30493c-641d-4401-bd21-a1adb907ae26" class="high-recommended">(2)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=0b30493c-641d-4401-bd21-a1adb907ae26&commenterUserName=MeltonMowbray&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:0b30493c-641d-4401-bd21-a1adb907ae26" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-5"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Alarming" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="Alarming"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Alarming"> Alarming </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 10:14AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>christmas season of ennui <br/>slump in front of the TV <br/>family feuds surface eventually <br/>you you you, me me me <br/>til they've run out of energy <br/>slump in front of the turkey <br/>brussel sprouts surface eventually <br/>plus something that used to be <br/>grave-ee. </p><p>outside the house nothing is stirring <br/>not even a mouse <br/>warms itself in the uv glow <br/>spread by the house </p><p> the Christmas spirit is now quite dead <br/>slump up the stairs off to bed <br/>the rest of the family have now fled <br/>to spend boxing day with uncle ted <br/>to whom we're not sure if we're relate-ed <br/>the blankets off, the bed's unheated <br/>this day always leaves me feeling defeated. <br/>must it always be repeated? </p><p>outside the house nothing is stirring <br/>not even a robin <br/>perches picturesquely <br/>or goes a bob bob bobbin' </p><p>Merry Xmas Everyone!</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:3da683e3-d400-4cb6-9069-8a5e18074d5d"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:3da683e3-d400-4cb6-9069-8a5e18074d5d" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:3da683e3-d400-4cb6-9069-8a5e18074d5d')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:3da683e3-d400-4cb6-9069-8a5e18074d5d" class="high-recommended">(7)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=3da683e3-d400-4cb6-9069-8a5e18074d5d&commenterUserName=Alarming&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:3da683e3-d400-4cb6-9069-8a5e18074d5d" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-6"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Alarming" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="Alarming"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Alarming"> Alarming </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 10:17AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>MM judging from the sentiments ( entirely coincidental ) I'm seem to be sharing the same Xmas day as you. Are we actually married?</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:dca856df-3e1a-4616-b1a7-f5c137adcb83"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:dca856df-3e1a-4616-b1a7-f5c137adcb83" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:dca856df-3e1a-4616-b1a7-f5c137adcb83')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:dca856df-3e1a-4616-b1a7-f5c137adcb83" class="high-recommended">(3)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=dca856df-3e1a-4616-b1a7-f5c137adcb83&commenterUserName=Alarming&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:dca856df-3e1a-4616-b1a7-f5c137adcb83" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-7"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/MeltonMowbray" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="MeltonMowbray"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/MeltonMowbray"> MeltonMowbray </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 10:25AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>It's possible. Are you a 6' 6" Thai ladyboy?</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:d16f6baa-4e7b-4750-a3c2-d40f2d1cebaa"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:d16f6baa-4e7b-4750-a3c2-d40f2d1cebaa" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:d16f6baa-4e7b-4750-a3c2-d40f2d1cebaa')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:d16f6baa-4e7b-4750-a3c2-d40f2d1cebaa" class="high-recommended">(4)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=d16f6baa-4e7b-4750-a3c2-d40f2d1cebaa&commenterUserName=MeltonMowbray&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:d16f6baa-4e7b-4750-a3c2-d40f2d1cebaa" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-8"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Alarming" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="Alarming"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Alarming"> Alarming </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 10:29AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>5'10" . Well that clears that mystery up</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:6b7c864a-6ade-4c9a-8b2b-5ec08e6133ec"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:6b7c864a-6ade-4c9a-8b2b-5ec08e6133ec" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:6b7c864a-6ade-4c9a-8b2b-5ec08e6133ec')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:6b7c864a-6ade-4c9a-8b2b-5ec08e6133ec" class="high-recommended">(3)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=6b7c864a-6ade-4c9a-8b2b-5ec08e6133ec&commenterUserName=Alarming&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:6b7c864a-6ade-4c9a-8b2b-5ec08e6133ec" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-9"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/degrus" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="degrus"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/degrus"> degrus </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 11:03AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Shades of the Holy Spirit - he too <br/>Likes them tight - in the catalogue man, <br/>Face sculptured a la star <br/>Of wonder, pulsing <br/>Luring waves of prized <br/>Spices - Brut or something? - <br/>As he pulls a toy (it's only a movie) <br/>Gun, nifty, on a cat-worshipping Herod; <br/>Or ups the game in the Aston, <br/>The one with the wings, <br/>Departing the blood basket, <br/>Headed back to yet another <br/>Roulette table. Nothing like Joseph; <br/>What Jane or Ursula etcetera <br/>Could resist him when he comes <br/>On secret business? </p><p>So the entertainments on the anniversary <br/>Of all anniversaries: the beginnings of a nativity: <br/>Angel and gifts and so on; Martini, Rolex, Octopussy.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:8db08b45-8421-4bf2-bafb-3d49a3029e6a"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:8db08b45-8421-4bf2-bafb-3d49a3029e6a" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:8db08b45-8421-4bf2-bafb-3d49a3029e6a')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:8db08b45-8421-4bf2-bafb-3d49a3029e6a" class="high-recommended">(4)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=8db08b45-8421-4bf2-bafb-3d49a3029e6a&commenterUserName=degrus&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:8db08b45-8421-4bf2-bafb-3d49a3029e6a" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-10"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/BillyMills" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/4/4/249edf7c-6b2f-4c90-8476-438026a1b3ae.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="BillyMills"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/BillyMills"> BillyMills </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 11:03AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Staff"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://static.guim.co.uk/microapps/server-side-pluck/images/icons_contributor_28.gif" width="28" height="28" title="Contributor" alt="Contributor"/> <span>Contributor</span> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Well, another Christmas ruined.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:597e1355-3e4c-4c3e-b28e-49156a5035f6"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:597e1355-3e4c-4c3e-b28e-49156a5035f6" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:597e1355-3e4c-4c3e-b28e-49156a5035f6')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:597e1355-3e4c-4c3e-b28e-49156a5035f6" class="high-recommended">(3)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=597e1355-3e4c-4c3e-b28e-49156a5035f6&commenterUserName=BillyMills&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:597e1355-3e4c-4c3e-b28e-49156a5035f6" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-11"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Alarming" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="Alarming"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Alarming"> Alarming </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 11:15AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Billy I've broken my toys already. Nice self portrait by the way.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:a074a8db-d3b9-4b6e-9008-18541c0bdc42"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:a074a8db-d3b9-4b6e-9008-18541c0bdc42" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:a074a8db-d3b9-4b6e-9008-18541c0bdc42')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:a074a8db-d3b9-4b6e-9008-18541c0bdc42" class="high-recommended">(3)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=a074a8db-d3b9-4b6e-9008-18541c0bdc42&commenterUserName=Alarming&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:a074a8db-d3b9-4b6e-9008-18541c0bdc42" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-12"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/MeltonMowbray" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="MeltonMowbray"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/MeltonMowbray"> MeltonMowbray </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 11:25AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>A little on the flattering side, I thought.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:0f71fab5-5b63-4f6f-b328-ea807541bc09"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:0f71fab5-5b63-4f6f-b328-ea807541bc09" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:0f71fab5-5b63-4f6f-b328-ea807541bc09')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:0f71fab5-5b63-4f6f-b328-ea807541bc09" class="high-recommended">(4)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=0f71fab5-5b63-4f6f-b328-ea807541bc09&commenterUserName=MeltonMowbray&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:0f71fab5-5b63-4f6f-b328-ea807541bc09" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-13"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/BillyMills" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/4/4/249edf7c-6b2f-4c90-8476-438026a1b3ae.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="BillyMills"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/BillyMills"> BillyMills </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 11:50AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Staff"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://static.guim.co.uk/microapps/server-side-pluck/images/icons_contributor_28.gif" width="28" height="28" title="Contributor" alt="Contributor"/> <span>Contributor</span> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>It's my best side.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:2838cf33-c48c-401b-8eab-b7366c217a5e"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:2838cf33-c48c-401b-8eab-b7366c217a5e" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:2838cf33-c48c-401b-8eab-b7366c217a5e')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:2838cf33-c48c-401b-8eab-b7366c217a5e" class="high-recommended">(4)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=2838cf33-c48c-401b-8eab-b7366c217a5e&commenterUserName=BillyMills&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:2838cf33-c48c-401b-8eab-b7366c217a5e" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-14"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/UnpublishedWriter" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="UnpublishedWriter"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/UnpublishedWriter"> UnpublishedWriter </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 1:20PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Deck the halls with boughs of holly, <br/><i>Always assuming your hall is big enough to take a bough and you have had rudimentary health and safety training in decking. </i> <br/>Tis the season to be jolly, <br/><i>Or in modern parlance, to consume as much as you can.</i> </p><p>Don we now our gay apparel, <br/><i>Its best we do not even go there </i> <br/>Troll the ancient Yule tide carol, <br/><i>Who is this guy, Troll, formerly known as Carol? </i> </p><p>See the blazing Yule before us, <br/><i>Except in designated smokeless zones.</i> <br/>Strike the harp and join the chorus. <br/><i>But be aware that harpists are usually booked for weddings months in advance. </i> </p><p>Follow me in merry measure, <br/><i>Bingeing together, drink for drink. </i> <br/>While I tell of Yule tide treasure, <br/><i>Not the bloody bankers bonuses again? </i> </p><p>Fast away the old year passes, <br/><i>Recession, recession, recession </i> <br/>Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, <br/><i>Recession, recession, recession. </i> </p><p>Sing we joyous, all together, <br/><i>And we can go on X factor in the Group category. Hope we get Simon.</i> <br/>Heedless of the wind and weather, <br/><i>Stop going on about bloody Global warming</i>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:5fd3d379-fd03-4465-befa-f354f2045a0e"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:5fd3d379-fd03-4465-befa-f354f2045a0e" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:5fd3d379-fd03-4465-befa-f354f2045a0e')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:5fd3d379-fd03-4465-befa-f354f2045a0e" class="high-recommended">(9)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=5fd3d379-fd03-4465-befa-f354f2045a0e&commenterUserName=UnpublishedWriter&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:5fd3d379-fd03-4465-befa-f354f2045a0e" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-15"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/pinkroom" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/14/12/5e3648b6-b3d8-4149-8c0c-253db71cca62.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="pinkroom"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/pinkroom"> pinkroom </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 1:41PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Just finished one I started last night. </p><p><b>North Downs Snow</b> </p><p>Fox prints in the fresh fall'n snow <br/>ice gingers so he'll circling go; <br/>inside himself, he'll curl his head <br/>and so will I. <br/>Upstairs to bed. </p><p>Awaken and downstairs to the light, <br/>the feet of birds now scratched in white <br/>but where did those circling fox prints go? <br/>Lost to sleep <br/>'neath fallen snow.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:1b4512d2-0b99-4545-8b3a-71edb175d8de"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:1b4512d2-0b99-4545-8b3a-71edb175d8de" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:1b4512d2-0b99-4545-8b3a-71edb175d8de')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:1b4512d2-0b99-4545-8b3a-71edb175d8de" class="high-recommended">(12)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=1b4512d2-0b99-4545-8b3a-71edb175d8de&commenterUserName=pinkroom&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:1b4512d2-0b99-4545-8b3a-71edb175d8de" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-16"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/RobertLock" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/4/0/a4fb6ce2-1ef0-4614-8089-b4b1ef97ac81.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="RobertLock"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/RobertLock"> RobertLock </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 2:00PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p><b>I don't believe in you Santa</b> </p><p>I <i>don't </i>believe in you Santa <br/>Stop regarding me with those eyes! <br/>I <i>know</i> you?re just a store-boy <br/>Dressed up in that disguise. </p><p>I <i>don't </i>believe in you Santa <br/>'Cos you did it to me again! <br/>Last year I wanted a Barbie <br/>But didn?t get, so have to complain. </p><p>I don't believe in you Santa <br/><i>Who</i> requested a pretty new frock? <br/>You know it wasn?t what <i>I </i>asked for <br/>Did you laugh 'cos I had such a shock? </p><p>I <i>don't </i>believe in you Santa <br/>I'm almost seven, (too old now, don't you see?) <br/>Now I only love baby Jesus <br/>In His crib, beneath our tree </p><p>I <i>don?t </i>believe in you Santa, <br/>Bet my present this year will be socks <br/>But... if I <i>did</i> believe in you Santa <br/>Do you think I could have an Xbox?</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:4a241f9b-1185-4382-ba91-9a20ba167486"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:4a241f9b-1185-4382-ba91-9a20ba167486" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:4a241f9b-1185-4382-ba91-9a20ba167486')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:4a241f9b-1185-4382-ba91-9a20ba167486" class="high-recommended">(4)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=4a241f9b-1185-4382-ba91-9a20ba167486&commenterUserName=RobertLock&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:4a241f9b-1185-4382-ba91-9a20ba167486" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-17"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/RobertLock" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/4/0/a4fb6ce2-1ef0-4614-8089-b4b1ef97ac81.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="RobertLock"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/RobertLock"> RobertLock </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 2:05PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Oops, copy and paste didn't work :) </p><p><b>I don't believe in you Santa</b> </p><p>I <i>don't</i> believe in you Santa <br/>Stop regarding me with those eyes! <br/>I <i>know </i>you're just a store-boy <br/>Dressed up in that disguise. </p><p>I <i>don't </i>believe in you Santa <br/>'Cos you did it to me again! <br/>Last year I wanted a Barbie <br/>But didn't get one, so have to complain. </p><p>I <i>don't </i>believe in you Santa <br/><i>Who</i> requested a pretty new frock? <br/>You know it wasn't what<i> I </i>asked for <br/>Did you laugh 'cos I had such a shock? </p><p>I <i>don't </i>believe in you Santa <br/>I'm almost seven, (too old now, don't you see?) <br/>Now I only love baby Jesus <br/>In His crib, beneath our tree </p><p>I <i>don't </i>believe in you Santa, <br/>Bet my present this year will be socks <br/>But... if I <i>did </i>believe in you Santa <br/>Do you think I could have an Xbox?</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:3cb086cb-d6d1-48e4-9063-bbac60659cd7"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:3cb086cb-d6d1-48e4-9063-bbac60659cd7" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:3cb086cb-d6d1-48e4-9063-bbac60659cd7')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:3cb086cb-d6d1-48e4-9063-bbac60659cd7" class="high-recommended">(5)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=3cb086cb-d6d1-48e4-9063-bbac60659cd7&commenterUserName=RobertLock&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:3cb086cb-d6d1-48e4-9063-bbac60659cd7" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-18"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/torvald" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/9/15/19aff551-1974-4528-bff7-3d56dbf0735e.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="torvald"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/torvald"> torvald </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 2:08PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Sonata <br/>A symphony of car bombs, flying fingers...A man looks <br/>for body parts of his son, finds half of a foot, wraps them <br/>in a handkerchief; without a burial grief will be endless. <br/>Women will always wear black. </p><p>How much, how loud, must people scream <br/>before they are heard? How many must die? </p><p>In this macabre ballet, man is not made for intactness <br/>soaring through air. Dancers try, and try again, for a few <br/>seconds of wonder; it?s called art. Dame Margot and Rudolf <br/>sailed through the air. Magic moment, our applause passionate. </p><p>How much, how loud, must people scream <br/>before they are heard? How many must die? </p><p>These unreal Iraq wars, where there are no tall trees and new <br/>leaders are shadowy pygmies hiding behind walls, in green <br/>gardens that never run out of water for manicured lawns <br/>and there are frequent showers for those who live there. </p><p>How much, how loud, must people scream <br/>before they are heard? How many must die? </p><p>People of Iraq are not looking for democracy as they should <br/>by an enchanted formula; water, sanitation, education, and <br/>freedom from western interference, are more important. A tall <br/>leader is needed; the last one had a fatal rendezvous with <br/>a noose. </p><p>How much, how loud, must people scream <br/>before they are heard? How many must die? </p><p>This weird war, motor-oil mixed with fresh blood, can only <br/>run on the machinery of hate; we onlookers are so tired, we <br/>feel not their fear -- not our kin -- the killing so far away. <br/>Iraq is another planet, thank God for that, and let bells toll. </p><p>How much, how loud, must people scream <br/>before they are heard? How many must die?</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:c7e43aac-0aef-4647-9ad9-ba75b0c8f753"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:c7e43aac-0aef-4647-9ad9-ba75b0c8f753" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:c7e43aac-0aef-4647-9ad9-ba75b0c8f753')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:c7e43aac-0aef-4647-9ad9-ba75b0c8f753" class="high-recommended">(5)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=c7e43aac-0aef-4647-9ad9-ba75b0c8f753&commenterUserName=torvald&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:c7e43aac-0aef-4647-9ad9-ba75b0c8f753" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-19"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/pinkroom" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/14/12/5e3648b6-b3d8-4149-8c0c-253db71cca62.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="pinkroom"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/pinkroom"> pinkroom </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 2:51PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Revision. Needed riddling. </p><p><b>North Downs Snow</b> </p><p>Fox prints in the fresh fall'n snow <br/>ice gingers so he'll circling go; <br/>inside himself, he'll curl his head <br/>and so will I. <br/>Upstairs to bed. </p><p>Awaken and downstairs to the light <br/>just avian letters, scratched in white <br/>but where did those gingerly circles go? <br/>Lost to sleep, <br/>'neath fallen snow.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:9aa0b19c-ad4f-460c-b62d-64fb1ce87eb7"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:9aa0b19c-ad4f-460c-b62d-64fb1ce87eb7" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:9aa0b19c-ad4f-460c-b62d-64fb1ce87eb7')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:9aa0b19c-ad4f-460c-b62d-64fb1ce87eb7" class="high-recommended">(9)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=9aa0b19c-ad4f-460c-b62d-64fb1ce87eb7&commenterUserName=pinkroom&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:9aa0b19c-ad4f-460c-b62d-64fb1ce87eb7" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-20"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/UnpublishedWriter" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="UnpublishedWriter"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/UnpublishedWriter"> UnpublishedWriter </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 2:52PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>TWINKLE, TWINKLE </p><p>Twinkle, twinkle, Megastar, <br/>How I worship who you are. <br/>Up above us plebs so high, <br/>Like a diamond in the sky. <br/>Twinkle, twinkle, Megastar, <br/>How I worship what you are! </p><p>When <i>Hello</i> and <i>Heat</i> are done, <br/>I seek your pictures in <i>The Sun</i>, <br/>There you shed your Megalight, <br/>Twinkling, twinkling, through the shite. <br/>Twinkle, twinkle, Megastar, <br/>I thee worship from afar! </p><p>Reality feels so dark and deep <br/>So in my dreams I tend to keep <br/>A world imagined through your eyes <br/>Til the next <i>OK</i> arrives <br/>Twinkle, twinkle, Megastar <br/>How I worship what you are</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:5688fefd-cbc1-4624-b6b9-3ad2581b0a1e"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:5688fefd-cbc1-4624-b6b9-3ad2581b0a1e" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:5688fefd-cbc1-4624-b6b9-3ad2581b0a1e')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:5688fefd-cbc1-4624-b6b9-3ad2581b0a1e" class="high-recommended">(6)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=5688fefd-cbc1-4624-b6b9-3ad2581b0a1e&commenterUserName=UnpublishedWriter&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:5688fefd-cbc1-4624-b6b9-3ad2581b0a1e" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-21"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/bobbyschrader" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/1/7/a1014887-bf31-4647-8798-92b2bb06b51c.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="bobbyschrader"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/bobbyschrader"> bobbyschrader </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 3:16PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Another year <br/>Another tree <br/>Another time for wintry walks <br/>In this dark and distant country <br/>With these marvelous strangers <br/>Who call me family </p><p>Yet again <br/>I will drink in their love <br/>And feast on their company </p><p>And again <br/>It will all be <br/>Just a little too much for me </p><p>For at times I fear <br/>That this place <br/>Which for so long <br/>I have made my own <br/>Is a place <br/>Deep down <br/>That will never be home</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:7d49b60e-7ed1-4bbc-ab6d-7e755d988634"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:7d49b60e-7ed1-4bbc-ab6d-7e755d988634" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:7d49b60e-7ed1-4bbc-ab6d-7e755d988634')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:7d49b60e-7ed1-4bbc-ab6d-7e755d988634" class="high-recommended">(5)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=7d49b60e-7ed1-4bbc-ab6d-7e755d988634&commenterUserName=bobbyschrader&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:7d49b60e-7ed1-4bbc-ab6d-7e755d988634" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-22"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/anytimefrances" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/4/13/b4cc376f-32db-48cc-9deb-308e55a84f51.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="anytimefrances"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/anytimefrances"> anytimefrances </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 3:28PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>the Christmas Mystery </p><p>Christmas used to be so joyous <br/>when relatives <br/>were much to busy <br/>making puddings, sending cards, drinking, setting up twinklers, <br/>visiting each other with much laughter <br/>eating vast amounts, attending mass and holy communion - giving <br/>their stomachs - <br/>a rest, <br/>making ready to eat again, <br/>to notice me <br/>all alone <br/>with a book <br/>and a dinner of fish and rice; </p><p>Something has changed them <br/>don't ask me what <br/>now I have to post cards - last-minute rushing to the post office - <br/>buy new clothes <br/>get tickets <br/>pack bags <br/>stand in queues <br/>get elbowed <br/>wait in the freezing for taxis and busses driven by the sloshed <br/>arrive back home <br/>grin and bear it through turbulences <br/>smile, cheer and greet the wheezing on death's doorstep <br/>and the slobbering whiners screeching for more tit </p><p>did the world really change <br/>or did I develop some qualities?</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:2edc5046-c559-454f-8f9c-db0fb107e000"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:2edc5046-c559-454f-8f9c-db0fb107e000" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:2edc5046-c559-454f-8f9c-db0fb107e000')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:2edc5046-c559-454f-8f9c-db0fb107e000" class="high-recommended">(4)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=2edc5046-c559-454f-8f9c-db0fb107e000&commenterUserName=anytimefrances&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:2edc5046-c559-454f-8f9c-db0fb107e000" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-23"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/silentissimor" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/15/7/4f19e561-211b-47ea-b798-32635a712641.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="silentissimor"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/silentissimor"> silentissimor </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 4:11PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Trusted"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p><i><b>Hello everyone, Billy Mills; and a ho ho ho, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for all too!</b></i> </p><p><i><b>Here is my poem for you:</b></i> </p><p><i><b>God's Style and Wisdom</b></i> </p><p><i><b>American Savior-Act...........</b></i> <br/><i><b>British Common Saviour.....</b></i> <br/><i><b>French Sensual Savoir.......</b></i> <br/><i><b>Most Stylish Holy Spirit.......</b></i> <br/><i><b>All Verse and no Judgment!</b></i> </p><p><i><b>I died young for, and in the name of, Jesus Christ, our only Lord and Saviour! All praise be to God Almighty and to the Holy Spirit, for He is One with our Heavenly Father, in the Holy Trinity NOW AND FOREVER!</b></i></p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:f53dbcd8-ca56-4aeb-b465-757c610ca2b8"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:f53dbcd8-ca56-4aeb-b465-757c610ca2b8" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:f53dbcd8-ca56-4aeb-b465-757c610ca2b8')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:f53dbcd8-ca56-4aeb-b465-757c610ca2b8" class="normal-recommended">(1)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=f53dbcd8-ca56-4aeb-b465-757c610ca2b8&commenterUserName=silentissimor&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:f53dbcd8-ca56-4aeb-b465-757c610ca2b8" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-24"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/HenryLloydMoon" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/15/12/af54738d-a0cc-47f0-bc36-4b1b47794058.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="HenryLloydMoon"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/HenryLloydMoon"> HenryLloydMoon </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 4:22PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>seasonal banter... <br/>don't you just hate it? yaroo! <br/>cripes! i say you chaps...!</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:47b77ac4-7146-46b7-80d1-d5e12edbd20e"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:47b77ac4-7146-46b7-80d1-d5e12edbd20e" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:47b77ac4-7146-46b7-80d1-d5e12edbd20e')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:47b77ac4-7146-46b7-80d1-d5e12edbd20e" class="high-recommended">(4)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=47b77ac4-7146-46b7-80d1-d5e12edbd20e&commenterUserName=HenryLloydMoon&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:47b77ac4-7146-46b7-80d1-d5e12edbd20e" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-25"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/ofile" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/15/10/8f5ff3a7-9027-4d9e-8a90-dc4a727bcddc.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="ofile"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/ofile"> ofile </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 6:09PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Turkey's? Donkey's? Anthologies? </p><p>Billy, that's some nice wrapping paper and ribbons, but there's nothing in the box! </p><p>(Hopefully working links for Ogden Nash's salutary tale <br/><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.westegg.com/nash/santa.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.westegg.com/nash/santa.html</a> <br/>and Thomas Stearns' crisp, clipped tones <br/><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/singlePoem.do?poemId=7070)" rel="nofollow">http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/singlePoem.do?poemId=7070)</a></p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:bb7fa924-cb91-4524-ad83-500297eea417"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:bb7fa924-cb91-4524-ad83-500297eea417" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:bb7fa924-cb91-4524-ad83-500297eea417')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:bb7fa924-cb91-4524-ad83-500297eea417" class="high-recommended">(2)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=bb7fa924-cb91-4524-ad83-500297eea417&commenterUserName=ofile&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:bb7fa924-cb91-4524-ad83-500297eea417" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-26"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/graceandreacchi" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/9/3/89b0312e-b46a-46ec-b302-de8a4fd5d7a3.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="graceandreacchi"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/graceandreacchi"> graceandreacchi </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 6:48PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>More of an Advent than a Christmas poem really. Inspired by the great JS. </p><p>BEREITE DICH, ZION </p><p>Fresh snow on the fields <br/>and all along the track <br/>frost flowers blooming. <br/>In the distance a single light <br/>flickers and dies <br/>Overhead the stars like golden fireflies <br/>are winking in the forest of the night. </p><p>I have put on my corals and rubies <br/>I have put on my robe of purest light <br/>I have sewed my heart to the sleeve of my garment <br/>Ich bin bereit. </p><p>from <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://sites.google.com/site/graceandreacchi/poetry-index/berlin-elegies" rel="nofollow">BERLIN ELEGIES</a></p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:4f7aebd1-0f72-4ea8-aaec-85da78ac851b"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:4f7aebd1-0f72-4ea8-aaec-85da78ac851b" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:4f7aebd1-0f72-4ea8-aaec-85da78ac851b')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:4f7aebd1-0f72-4ea8-aaec-85da78ac851b" class="high-recommended">(6)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=4f7aebd1-0f72-4ea8-aaec-85da78ac851b&commenterUserName=graceandreacchi&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:4f7aebd1-0f72-4ea8-aaec-85da78ac851b" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-27"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/graceandreacchi" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/9/3/89b0312e-b46a-46ec-b302-de8a4fd5d7a3.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="graceandreacchi"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/graceandreacchi"> graceandreacchi </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 6:53PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>And this one's for Christmas, with warm wishes to all fellow travellers! Thanks, Billy, for everything!. And have yourself a <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo" rel="nofollow">Merry Little Xmas</a> now. </p><p>DAYSPRING </p><p>So you came after all? <br/>We'd just about given you up <br/>It's a trick, it's a lie <br/>(This is what we said) <br/>Born, suffer, and then you die. </p><p>When lo this light from the manger <br/>This baby's breath, this silent little stranger </p><p><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://graceandreacchi.com/" rel="nofollow">MORE GRACE</a></p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:37102c0e-b066-4447-9980-a35253896259"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:37102c0e-b066-4447-9980-a35253896259" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:37102c0e-b066-4447-9980-a35253896259')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:37102c0e-b066-4447-9980-a35253896259" class="high-recommended">(6)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=37102c0e-b066-4447-9980-a35253896259&commenterUserName=graceandreacchi&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:37102c0e-b066-4447-9980-a35253896259" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-28"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/pongothecat" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/6/2/16f78523-0daa-4b56-b2e5-c195f917c3b4.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="pongothecat"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/pongothecat"> pongothecat </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 7:50PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p><b>There Is A Sanity Clause</b> </p><p>I like having a tree, <br/>Its significance (for me) <br/>Is far from the rites <br/>Of bear-skin berserkers <br/>And cold forest nights, <br/>But rather the bedouin dream <br/>Of growing things; of green. </p><p>I enjoy the children's hints <br/>And oh-so-casual asides: <br/>Isn't the new Powerbook nice? <br/>I pretend I'm distracted <br/>And become absorbed <br/>In something at the end of my leg; <br/>Is that a foot? Good Lord: <br/>How <i>interesting</i>. <br/>They see through my fraud. </p><p>I like the smells, the sounds, the tastes <br/>Pine needles, brandy and burning log <br/>Excited children, a sense of place <br/>Purring cat and fat warm dog <br/>And I like lying in bed later on <br/>As my wife, that fine and rare jewel, <br/>Gently strokes my face and looks fond <br/>And says 'You're not so bad for a fool.' </p><p>...and now, for a more typical School of Pepper effort: </p><p><b>The Night Before Christmas In Bethlehem Hospital</b> </p><p>T'was the night before Christmas when all through the wards <br/>Not an inmate was sleeping, not Mowbray, not Swords, <br/>And Henry Lloyd Moon hung himself from the tree <br/>While one far-gone loon wailed that Poland was free. </p><p>In the doctor's lounge shivered Rumens and Mills <br/>Gargling vodka and inhaling pills <br/>'It's freezing and frankly this whole thing's a bummer; <br/>Couldn't the bugger have been born in the summer?'</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:f09f6cd4-25a4-445b-862c-a1f2220207ec"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:f09f6cd4-25a4-445b-862c-a1f2220207ec" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:f09f6cd4-25a4-445b-862c-a1f2220207ec')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:f09f6cd4-25a4-445b-862c-a1f2220207ec" class="high-recommended">(7)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=f09f6cd4-25a4-445b-862c-a1f2220207ec&commenterUserName=pongothecat&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:f09f6cd4-25a4-445b-862c-a1f2220207ec" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-29"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Pinkerbell" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/1/9/41aac094-03df-4367-b900-ff6d7701f82d.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="Pinkerbell"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Pinkerbell"> Pinkerbell </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 8:34PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Billy I love the new profile picture ! </p><p>So I'm a big fat cheat and some of you will have seen this before, except the last line which cheesily mentions Christmas, but I realise that I've not been here for the last two topics and I feel left out, all because I can't seem get my poetry head on at the moment. </p><p><b>Chirstmas passing:</b> </p><p>The day has scarcely blossomed, when its glow <br/>Is obscured from us, lost, as wilting bloom, <br/>Midst curves of hillsides, draped in drifting snow, <br/>Leaving only an opalescent gloom <br/>Bleeding through the line between land and sky, <br/>No longer day, but not yet fully night. <br/>Mute snowflakes faintly glisten as they fly, <br/>Reflecting the last of this sinking light, <br/>Enchanting ribbons squalling through the grey <br/>Should herald for us a silent warning <br/>That a dark hunger soon will swallow day, <br/>Leaving us with a long path to morning. <br/>Instead we are mesmerised by the scene <br/>Of Christmas passing, silent and serene.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:f6a97e1c-7166-4825-982e-92cd11f2880f"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:f6a97e1c-7166-4825-982e-92cd11f2880f" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:f6a97e1c-7166-4825-982e-92cd11f2880f')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:f6a97e1c-7166-4825-982e-92cd11f2880f" class="high-recommended">(6)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=f6a97e1c-7166-4825-982e-92cd11f2880f&commenterUserName=Pinkerbell&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:f6a97e1c-7166-4825-982e-92cd11f2880f" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-30"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/pinkroom" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/14/12/5e3648b6-b3d8-4149-8c0c-253db71cca62.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="pinkroom"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/pinkroom"> pinkroom </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 9:31PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p><b>Pantomime</b> </p><p>My name is Buttons, it all hangs on me, <br/>to set a scene for the punters to guess. <br/>Pushed out in front to secure sympathy, <br/>I stand before curtain, just in my dress. </p><p>Then stand aside, as they gawp at the set <br/>brighter than life, as the fabric rises <br/>and Cinders performs her sad vignette <br/>step sisters moue, monstrous disguises. </p><p>I have just a small part in the drama, <br/>the loyal friend, overlooked, torch aflame; <br/>leaving Dandini, the main joke -farmer, <br/>from me and Hardup, unknowing and lame. </p><p>But come the scene break, while they're at the bar, <br/>I lead the misrule; for kids, <br/>I 'm the star.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:b95eb976-bd48-4732-aef8-df9c5a063388"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:b95eb976-bd48-4732-aef8-df9c5a063388" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:b95eb976-bd48-4732-aef8-df9c5a063388')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:b95eb976-bd48-4732-aef8-df9c5a063388" class="high-recommended">(11)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=b95eb976-bd48-4732-aef8-df9c5a063388&commenterUserName=pinkroom&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:b95eb976-bd48-4732-aef8-df9c5a063388" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-31"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/ellymiranda" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/9/15/b9ac29e3-4bf8-42fa-8f8d-15ae9af46680.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="ellymiranda"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/ellymiranda"> ellymiranda </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">18 Dec 2009, 11:22PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>VRROOOMMMM!!!!! </p><p>Day before Christmas, early, shovelling snow <br/>My blue Volvo unveiled its downy bolster. <br/>Getting inside, rubbing my hands, fan freezing! <br/>Calling Volvo God by its secret name: Fan! </p><p>Vroom, vroom, vrom-vrom-vroooommm! Oh, joy! <br/>All packed in the back, prepared for weeks. <br/>Lighting a cig, clutch down, an undue vroom <br/>Waving goodbye; come on, crying already? Wimp! </p><p>We'll go dancing on New Year in new clothes, right? <br/>And I'll call you tonight, remember? Safe drive! <br/>Your hand reaches in and you slip in first gear. <br/>The engine makes good way through the piled-up snow. </p><p>At my brother's, picking up my two nephews <br/>The whole family flocked in the parking lot <br/>A stack of presents, cookies, pies, beer and fruit. <br/>We'll all gather at mother's house for Jul. </p><p>Before we set off, my nephews urged me: <br/>Elly! Step on it! Give us the Volvo-vroom! <br/>And I do: with windows down we all listen <br/>We didn't know of CO2 in those days. </p><p>I light a cig and the boys start reading mags <br/>They are chewing meringues with light cider <br/>The sun rises afar; the road lies ahead. <br/>Our eyes meet in the mirror: it's Christmas!</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:e056a7c0-59fc-4729-bd0c-9406cb9e7c1f"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:e056a7c0-59fc-4729-bd0c-9406cb9e7c1f" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:e056a7c0-59fc-4729-bd0c-9406cb9e7c1f')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:e056a7c0-59fc-4729-bd0c-9406cb9e7c1f" class="high-recommended">(3)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=e056a7c0-59fc-4729-bd0c-9406cb9e7c1f&commenterUserName=ellymiranda&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:e056a7c0-59fc-4729-bd0c-9406cb9e7c1f" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-32"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/martianisms" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/5/4/25d90138-0d94-4114-84ea-af3635536656.Small.bmp" height="60" width="60" alt="martianisms"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/martianisms"> martianisms </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 2:30AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p><b>Baby Jesus versus Godzilla</b> </p><p>As I step out through fir-clad hills <br/>and spy the mountains cold, <br/>the violent clouds no anger still <br/>but distant cities scold. <br/>For in that far Hiroshima <br/>a creature tall as sky <br/>throws monuments and buildings down <br/>and sets the world to die. <br/>Godzilla, oh Gojira, that dragon born of old, <br/>that lizard of the nightmare, <br/>that spawn of Satan's fold, <br/>is breathing fire and cancer, <br/>is raising Hell on Earth, <br/>and soon no man or woman <br/>will live a life of worth. <br/>But lo: Behold, within the air is born <br/>a tiny, naked, newborn child <br/>his virgin skin bare worn. <br/>It is the Baby Jesus <br/>and from his heart pour flames <br/>and through Godzilla's thick-skulled head <br/>he smites him in the brains. <br/>The lizard falls beneath the sea <br/>and waves crash on the sand, <br/>and angels that are heaven sent <br/>pour balms upon the land. <br/>All praise to Baby Jesus, <br/>whose heart has saved Japan; <br/>the saviour of Woman, the saviour of Man. </p><p>Jack Brae Curtingstall</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:b997ac6a-2fe9-4991-954a-ed2735f30c40"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:b997ac6a-2fe9-4991-954a-ed2735f30c40" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:b997ac6a-2fe9-4991-954a-ed2735f30c40')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:b997ac6a-2fe9-4991-954a-ed2735f30c40" class="high-recommended">(6)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=b997ac6a-2fe9-4991-954a-ed2735f30c40&commenterUserName=martianisms&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:b997ac6a-2fe9-4991-954a-ed2735f30c40" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-33"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Iamnothere" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="Iamnothere"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Iamnothere"> Iamnothere </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 6:22AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Well Jack, perhaps I am now totally out of my tree <br/>but your poem @ 2.30am I see as a beautiful Christmas tribute; </p><p>waiting now for midnight @ New Year, perhaps then we will see the unmasking...until then I am even unsure whether you will be one... </p><p>but let it come</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:28638ec9-6820-4ad7-b21c-a1603d4ab448"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:28638ec9-6820-4ad7-b21c-a1603d4ab448" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:28638ec9-6820-4ad7-b21c-a1603d4ab448')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:28638ec9-6820-4ad7-b21c-a1603d4ab448" class="normal-recommended">(1)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=28638ec9-6820-4ad7-b21c-a1603d4ab448&commenterUserName=Iamnothere&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:28638ec9-6820-4ad7-b21c-a1603d4ab448" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-34"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/dickensdesk" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/12/7/fcf33581-4dd9-4269-a74b-e1f494eccd80.Small.png" height="60" width="60" alt="dickensdesk"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/dickensdesk"> dickensdesk </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 9:19AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p><b>The Ballad of a Christmas Insurance Claim</b> </p><p>At Christmas we learn, to give and to get, <br/>I 'll tell of a Christmas I'll never forget <br/>when after waiting, forever, <br/>for a tooth to wobble, <br/>three decided my mouth to hobble. </p><p>All of the grown ups kept singing this song, <br/>couldn't they see that their laughter was wrong, <br/>fuzzy with asprin, barely alert; <br/>couldn't they tell <br/>that these three bastards hurt? </p><p>"Poor little kid, poor little bleedah. <br/>Aint there some soup in the house we can feed her? <br/><i>All I wan't for Christmas... </i> <br/>cheer-up will you flower." <br/>I slump in a corner and wobble, and glower. </p><p>The Queen starts speaking, in black and white, <br/>sherry's been taken, the pudding's alight. <br/>The family as one, <br/>all feeling grand. <br/>I'm under the table, a tooth in my hand! </p><p>I've learned about giving, but what will I get? <br/>After Santa, the Tooth Fairy, I should bet. <br/>But silvering pudding's <br/>left coffers bereft; <br/>there aint a sixpence <br/>in the whole house left. </p><p>So - that - does - it. <br/>Tooth, blood and all, <br/>are swept, with the pudding, <br/>to floor and to wall <br/>and draylon curtains, <br/>caught swiftly alight <br/>and the hairsprayed fir tree <br/>a splendid sight. </p><p>* </p><p>The insurance adjusters <br/>were in no mood for giving <br/>- unseasonal maybe, <br/>but then, that's their living. <br/>Reckless. Negligence. Our claim capped. <br/>So <br/>little getting <br/>for my now three gaps.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:5a1b3b56-0ea8-4d82-b830-076faf25dc7d"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:5a1b3b56-0ea8-4d82-b830-076faf25dc7d" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:5a1b3b56-0ea8-4d82-b830-076faf25dc7d')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:5a1b3b56-0ea8-4d82-b830-076faf25dc7d" class="high-recommended">(7)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=5a1b3b56-0ea8-4d82-b830-076faf25dc7d&commenterUserName=dickensdesk&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:5a1b3b56-0ea8-4d82-b830-076faf25dc7d" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-35"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/UnpublishedWriter" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="UnpublishedWriter"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/UnpublishedWriter"> UnpublishedWriter </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 9:53AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p><b>Christmas Magic</b> </p><p>You explained <br/>that first time <br/>when you left <br/>a mince pie <br/>and a raw carrot <br/>on the plate <br/>by the back door <br/>that it was just in case <br/>Santa and Rudolf <br/>might feel hungry. </p><p>That night <br/>while you slept <br/>thinking little of it <br/>I ate the cake and <br/>gnawed the carrot. </p><p>And on Christmas morning <br/>you ran to the back door. <br/>Look, you said <br/>Santa ate the the mincepie <br/>and you can see <br/>Rudolfs teeth marks <br/>on the carrot. </p><p>And it was true <br/><i>Magic</i>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:33c60d9a-33fd-4f02-926d-17cc53eaa737"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:33c60d9a-33fd-4f02-926d-17cc53eaa737" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:33c60d9a-33fd-4f02-926d-17cc53eaa737')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:33c60d9a-33fd-4f02-926d-17cc53eaa737" class="high-recommended">(2)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=33c60d9a-33fd-4f02-926d-17cc53eaa737&commenterUserName=UnpublishedWriter&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:33c60d9a-33fd-4f02-926d-17cc53eaa737" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-36"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Alarming" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="Alarming"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Alarming"> Alarming </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 10:39AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>I have decided <br/>I'm deciduous <br/>I must be <br/>In my dislike <br/>Of Christmas <br/>I'm assiduous <br/>It is no time <br/>For me <br/>To be.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:fcdf8e07-ee20-45d1-aa4e-d355e5aa0428"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:fcdf8e07-ee20-45d1-aa4e-d355e5aa0428" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:fcdf8e07-ee20-45d1-aa4e-d355e5aa0428')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:fcdf8e07-ee20-45d1-aa4e-d355e5aa0428" class="high-recommended">(2)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=fcdf8e07-ee20-45d1-aa4e-d355e5aa0428&commenterUserName=Alarming&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:fcdf8e07-ee20-45d1-aa4e-d355e5aa0428" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-37"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Parisa" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/2/9/f209b209-c67e-45af-99df-8ec0932ca1de.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="Parisa"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Parisa"> Parisa </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 10:54AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>MeltonMowbray </p><p>18 Dec 2009, 10:25AM </p><p>titter titter - v funny - your's & Al's. </p><p>~ </p><p> BillyMills </p><p>18 Dec 2009, 11:03AM </p><p>also made me giggle - as did the new self-portrait. </p><p>~ </p><p><b>It's Chistmas</b> </p><p>It's Christmas it's Christmas <br/>So why do I feel listless <br/>Cheer is in the air <br/>I shouldn't have a care <br/>Candles all around <br/>Twinkling lights abound <br/>Oh my - I'm so tired <br/>I just can't get fired <br/>Up for the holiday. </p><p>There are bills to be paid <br/>That can't be delayed - (I'm afraid) <br/>But no one is listening to me <br/>You see - <br/>So is it any wonder <br/>That I'm falling asunder <br/>And my literary skills <br/>Have taken to the hills? </p><p>Well it's still a week away <br/>(she says to her dismay) <br/>But by the time that it's here <br/>It should all cohere <br/>Young David will get his nike shoes <br/>We'll go without that cruise (didn't want to go anyway) <br/>Holly will get some new boots <br/>And I'll ignore my roots. </p><p>Christmas Day will soon come <br/>Oh let me go to an ashram! <br/>But no - a naughty thing to say <br/>I'm sure it'll turn out <i>parfait </i> <br/>There'll be drinks in hand <br/>Folk will be suntanned <br/>And winter will be left far behind <br/>Which I don't mind <br/>So here's to the season <br/>And without any reason <br/>I'll drink to your health <br/>And add a little wealth <br/>For all & sundry......mankind! </p><p>Have a good one, you guys! </p><p>.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:f60737a8-7783-4734-8f41-a56051c0438d"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:f60737a8-7783-4734-8f41-a56051c0438d" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:f60737a8-7783-4734-8f41-a56051c0438d')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:f60737a8-7783-4734-8f41-a56051c0438d" class="high-recommended">(5)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=f60737a8-7783-4734-8f41-a56051c0438d&commenterUserName=Parisa&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:f60737a8-7783-4734-8f41-a56051c0438d" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-38"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Parisa" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/2/9/f209b209-c67e-45af-99df-8ec0932ca1de.Small.jpg" height="60" width="60" alt="Parisa"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Parisa"> Parisa </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 11:19AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>My fist poem was a bit mis so here's a more cheery one: </p><p><b>This Christmas</b> </p><p>Jewels & twinkling lights <br/>colours of wine & peaches <br/>nectarines & snow <br/>voices sparkling <br/>encased in light <br/>sunshine & clear blue sky </p><p>Festivity & hush <br/>shivering & warmth <br/>the children sing & play <br/>they glow & laugh <br/>happy now at <br/>peaceful soothing </p><p>Christmas</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:10345ba6-7539-44dc-9865-c0807648dd7b"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:10345ba6-7539-44dc-9865-c0807648dd7b" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:10345ba6-7539-44dc-9865-c0807648dd7b')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:10345ba6-7539-44dc-9865-c0807648dd7b" class="normal-recommended">(0)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=10345ba6-7539-44dc-9865-c0807648dd7b&commenterUserName=Parisa&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:10345ba6-7539-44dc-9865-c0807648dd7b" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-39"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/UnpublishedWriter" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="UnpublishedWriter"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/UnpublishedWriter"> UnpublishedWriter </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 11:52AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>It said in the paper that <br/>the men in uniforms <br/>the ones who work for us <br/>turned Father Christmas away <br/>from the camp where they keep <br/>the asylum seekers <br/>and their children <br/>but it wasnt really Santa <br/>just a vicar dressed up <br/>and he might have been anyone <br/>disguised as he was <br/>might have been a terrorist <br/>for all anyone knew. </p><p>The vicar dressed as Santa <br/>Is reported to have said <br/>that he had presents for the children <br/>the children of the asylum seekers <br/>said it was the least he could do <br/>bearing in mind the time of the year <br/>and the views that Jesus <br/>is reported to have held <br/>regarding the value <br/>he placed on children <br/>but the presents were wrapped <br/>and for all anyone knew they might <br/>have contained the makings <br/>for the construction of explosive devices. </p><p>So they turned Father Christmas away <br/>from the camp <br/>where they keep the asylum seekers <br/>and the children of asylum seekers <br/>to protect us and make sure <br/>that we have a merry christmas <br/>each and everyone.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:557a57e2-a4e6-40d9-97b9-dda4286d4963"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:557a57e2-a4e6-40d9-97b9-dda4286d4963" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:557a57e2-a4e6-40d9-97b9-dda4286d4963')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:557a57e2-a4e6-40d9-97b9-dda4286d4963" class="high-recommended">(5)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=557a57e2-a4e6-40d9-97b9-dda4286d4963&commenterUserName=UnpublishedWriter&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:557a57e2-a4e6-40d9-97b9-dda4286d4963" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-40"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/martianisms" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/5/4/25d90138-0d94-4114-84ea-af3635536656.Small.bmp" height="60" width="60" alt="martianisms"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/martianisms"> martianisms </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 1:27PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Iant, </p><p>All civilisations filter their spiritual and philisophical insights, to some degree, through the manifestations of their current culture. If you want a further clue to my intentions (other than the tone of the poem itself) then may I suggest the following: chapter 12 of <b>The Revelation to John</b>; the very beautiful poem <b>The Burning Babe</b>, by Robert Southwell (1561 - 1595); and finally, and in all earnestness, the original <b>Godzilla </b>movie (1956). All three are poems of one sort or another, and all communicate something profound in their own way. </p><p>Best <br/>Jack Brae</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:265a881c-836a-4772-b232-405945651941"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:265a881c-836a-4772-b232-405945651941" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:265a881c-836a-4772-b232-405945651941')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:265a881c-836a-4772-b232-405945651941" class="normal-recommended">(0)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=265a881c-836a-4772-b232-405945651941&commenterUserName=martianisms&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:265a881c-836a-4772-b232-405945651941" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-41"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Iamnothere" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="Iamnothere"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Iamnothere"> Iamnothere </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 1:45PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Jack, </p><p>I have not researched your suggested referred to matter, yet I trust your sincerity, garnered through the tone of your poem, <br/> you may though understand that I make my own appraisals</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:afce0360-dd0a-4f96-ba5c-527d834fc8bc"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:afce0360-dd0a-4f96-ba5c-527d834fc8bc" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:afce0360-dd0a-4f96-ba5c-527d834fc8bc')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:afce0360-dd0a-4f96-ba5c-527d834fc8bc" class="normal-recommended">(1)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=afce0360-dd0a-4f96-ba5c-527d834fc8bc&commenterUserName=Iamnothere&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:afce0360-dd0a-4f96-ba5c-527d834fc8bc" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-42"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/gwhite" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="gwhite"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/gwhite"> gwhite </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 1:52PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>CHRISTMAS ON RHODES </p><p>What am I doing here with all these Greeks? <br/>Hoping, perhaps, at midnight Christmas Eve, <br/>the unintelligible tongue God speaks <br/>will summon even those who don?t believe <br/>to Mary?s manger. Now the Virgin bears <br/>the Master in the cave. As light through glass <br/>he passes from her body. Joseph dares <br/>believe the story; I can let it pass. <br/>The incense rises like the church?s breath <br/>into the frosty air. This night of birth <br/>swells to a tide that tosses me past death; <br/>but tides recede. I know this moment?s worth: <br/>If love of beauty were the same as faith, <br/>I?d walk in heaven with my feet on earth. </p><p>Gail White (www.gailwhite.org)</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:ae7e5c39-7560-4ba1-b034-8adefe42c511"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:ae7e5c39-7560-4ba1-b034-8adefe42c511" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:ae7e5c39-7560-4ba1-b034-8adefe42c511')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:ae7e5c39-7560-4ba1-b034-8adefe42c511" class="high-recommended">(2)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=ae7e5c39-7560-4ba1-b034-8adefe42c511&commenterUserName=gwhite&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:ae7e5c39-7560-4ba1-b034-8adefe42c511" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-43"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/martianisms" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/5/4/25d90138-0d94-4114-84ea-af3635536656.Small.bmp" height="60" width="60" alt="martianisms"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/martianisms"> martianisms </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 1:55PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Lant, </p><p>Of course. And so do I. Incidentally, I'm a pagan. </p><p>Jack Brae</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:8343cb25-f09f-4ef4-8482-5cf3a1e2a1e8"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:8343cb25-f09f-4ef4-8482-5cf3a1e2a1e8" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:8343cb25-f09f-4ef4-8482-5cf3a1e2a1e8')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:8343cb25-f09f-4ef4-8482-5cf3a1e2a1e8" class="normal-recommended">(1)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=8343cb25-f09f-4ef4-8482-5cf3a1e2a1e8&commenterUserName=martianisms&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:8343cb25-f09f-4ef4-8482-5cf3a1e2a1e8" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-44"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Iamnothere" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="Iamnothere"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Iamnothere"> Iamnothere </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 2:46PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Jack, </p><p>just a slight correction to your 1.55pm, the abbreviated is iant or even Iant, or ianh, but Lant , well 'No.' </p><p>You state you are a pagan... </p><p>Ah Jack, see Paganism <br/> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://en.wikipeida.org/wiki/Paganism" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipeida.org/wiki/Paganism</a> </p><p>unsure at present, but suspect we may even like each other ......for those that always see eroticism at such a statement...get lost</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:d56adf1b-037d-48bb-ad80-512ca1b978d8"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:d56adf1b-037d-48bb-ad80-512ca1b978d8" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:d56adf1b-037d-48bb-ad80-512ca1b978d8')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:d56adf1b-037d-48bb-ad80-512ca1b978d8" class="normal-recommended">(1)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=d56adf1b-037d-48bb-ad80-512ca1b978d8&commenterUserName=Iamnothere&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:d56adf1b-037d-48bb-ad80-512ca1b978d8" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-45"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/martianisms" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/store/5/4/25d90138-0d94-4114-84ea-af3635536656.Small.bmp" height="60" width="60" alt="martianisms"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/martianisms"> martianisms </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 3:01PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>lant, </p><p>The existence of that typo surprised even me. Apologies, as it was merely accidental. As to somebody actually liking me, I suppose anything is possible. On Mars I'm actually surprisingly popular, but the life-forms there can be quite strange, and often odd in their preferences. </p><p>Jack Brae</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:aa57d8c3-a8c7-4b32-bb5d-c850c28ea06b"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:aa57d8c3-a8c7-4b32-bb5d-c850c28ea06b" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:aa57d8c3-a8c7-4b32-bb5d-c850c28ea06b')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:aa57d8c3-a8c7-4b32-bb5d-c850c28ea06b" class="high-recommended">(2)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=aa57d8c3-a8c7-4b32-bb5d-c850c28ea06b&commenterUserName=martianisms&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:aa57d8c3-a8c7-4b32-bb5d-c850c28ea06b" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-46"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Iamnothere" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="Iamnothere"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/Iamnothere"> Iamnothere </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 3:23PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Well Jack I now have a grin from ear to ear, </p><p>thank you for I think we do understand each other. </p><p>At least I hope so...</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:d382cb5b-d14a-4447-9aba-85a37058a534"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:d382cb5b-d14a-4447-9aba-85a37058a534" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:d382cb5b-d14a-4447-9aba-85a37058a534')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:d382cb5b-d14a-4447-9aba-85a37058a534" class="normal-recommended">(1)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=d382cb5b-d14a-4447-9aba-85a37058a534&commenterUserName=Iamnothere&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:d382cb5b-d14a-4447-9aba-85a37058a534" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-47"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/sarahdee" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="sarahdee"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/sarahdee"> sarahdee </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 4:20PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Billy, Billy, <br/>I?ve broken my presents already, <br/>the ones I found in the wardrobe <br/>wrapped in newspaper and masking tape, <br/>stuffed behind the old coats <br/>This whole thing makes me claustrophobic </p><p>Oh Billy, Billy, <br/>there?s snow behind the coats, <br/>the pieces of the parcel rattle, <br/>the bits in the box jangle, <br/>there is no shape that I can guess <br/>to it. Here in the wooded dark, <br/>silk moths kiss</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:ca7ea0ff-399f-4d3d-ab91-de4170ad49e9"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:ca7ea0ff-399f-4d3d-ab91-de4170ad49e9" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:ca7ea0ff-399f-4d3d-ab91-de4170ad49e9')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:ca7ea0ff-399f-4d3d-ab91-de4170ad49e9" class="high-recommended">(2)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=ca7ea0ff-399f-4d3d-ab91-de4170ad49e9&commenterUserName=sarahdee&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:ca7ea0ff-399f-4d3d-ab91-de4170ad49e9" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-48"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/flyingkipper" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="flyingkipper"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/flyingkipper"> flyingkipper </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">19 Dec 2009, 6:34PM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p><b>Christmas Cheer?</b> </p><p>A dash of stagecoaches draw up to snow clad Inns, <br/>And a host of jolly Santa's bumble onto the mantelpiece, <br/>Joining improbably plump robins on berry-heavy holly, <br/>All bursting with news of births, graduations and marriages. </p><p>But from you, for the first year, I found no greetings, <br/>And ponder on lost post, mislaid addresses and the past. <br/>I think of you preening your hair before the hall mirror, <br/>Your second-self surrounded by the carved parrots. </p><p>But on reflection perhaps that gift is long gone, <br/>Consigned, like me to the charity shop of life, <br/>Repository of outworn shirts, old lives, and memories, <br/>Abandoned to the whims of fate and new owners. <br/> Then I heard of your new marriage and understand <br/> That sadly, greetings may no longer be appropriate.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:2521c960-3857-4bb5-9eb5-60ca5071dbb1"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:2521c960-3857-4bb5-9eb5-60ca5071dbb1" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:2521c960-3857-4bb5-9eb5-60ca5071dbb1')" class="recommend"> Recommend? </a> <span id="pluck-single-comment-no-CommentKey:2521c960-3857-4bb5-9eb5-60ca5071dbb1" class="high-recommended">(4)</span> </li> <li class="abuse-report"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" title="Report abuse" class="report-abuse">Report abuse </a> </li> <li class="clip"><a class="anchor-based-login-required" href="/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/clippings/add?commentId=2521c960-3857-4bb5-9eb5-60ca5071dbb1&commenterUserName=flyingkipper&r2ContentIdForSSP=357061752" name="" title="Clip this comment.">Clip</a> | </li> <li class="link"><a href="?showallcomments=true#CommentKey:2521c960-3857-4bb5-9eb5-60ca5071dbb1" name="" title="Link this comment.">Link</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="pluck-content" id="comment-49"> <li class="pluck-comment">  <div class="pluck-comment-author"> <h3> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/gerbilio" class="author-profile-picture"> <img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://sitelife.guardian.co.uk/ver1.0/Content/images/no-user-image.gif" height="60" width="60" alt="gerbilio"> </a> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/users/gerbilio"> gerbilio </a> </h3> <p class="posted-time">20 Dec 2009, 12:22AM</p> </div> <span class="author-tier"> <a class="rollover" title="Featured"> </a> </span> <div class="pluck-comment-body"> <p>Christmas past </p><p>Your ghost treads quietly through - <br/>the holly and the ivy offering <br/>scant resistance <br/>from the mantelpiece. <br/>?Goodwill to all men, <br/>to all men, Peace? <br/>sing out the choirboys <br/>as you whisper. <br/>too softly for my ear <br/>to catch, <br/>though perhaps I hear <br/>you sighing. </p><p>The fire spits and crackles anew ? <br/>though the bellows? split leather sits silent <br/>and unmoving. <br/>our children?s stockings <br/>hang in expectance <br/>of brighter things <br/>than have passed for love <br/>this long Winter. <br/>too chilly for my heart <br/>to thaw, <br/>though I swear I hear <br/>you laughing. </p><p>Snow blindness lets me greet the day - <br/>the children ; as if unto us, a son <br/>was born - not lost, <br/>and you lost with him. <br/>what else for giving ? <br/>but promises <br/>of love, life, living - <br/>beyond shadows <br/>we never intended <br/>to cast, <br/>and I know I hear <br/>you crying.</p> </div> </li> <li class="pluck-comment-tools"> <ul id="CommentKey:d931595e-cfce-4a17-a1b5-2d9f43c6dfe8"> <li class="recomended"> <a id="pluck-single-comment-CommentKey:d931595e-cfce-4a17-a1b5-2d9f43c6dfe8" href="javascript:void(0)" title="Recommend this comment." onclick="return onClickRecommendation('CommentKey:d931595e-cfce-4a17-a1b5-2d9f43c6dfe8')" class="recommend"> Recommend? 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src="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949im_/http://static.guim.co.uk/static/83728/common/images/calendar/arrow_left.png" alt="Previous" height="18" width="19"/> </a> </th> </tr> <tr class="month-nav"> <th scope="col" title="Monday" class="first">M</th> <th scope="col" title="Tuesday">T</th> <th scope="col" title="Wednesday">W</th> <th scope="col" title="Thursday">T</th> <th scope="col" title="Friday">F</th> <th scope="col" title="Saturday">S</th> <th scope="col" title="Sunday" class="last">S</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class=" has-links "> <td class="not-this-month first">30</td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/nov/30/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 1}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{2}">1</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/nov/30/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 2}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{3}">2</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/nov/30/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 3}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{4}">3</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/nov/30/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 4}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{5}">4</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/nov/30/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 5}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{6}">5</a></td> <td class="last"><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/nov/30/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 6}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{7}">6</a></td> </tr> <tr class=" has-links "> <td class="first"><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/07/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 7}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{8}">7</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/07/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 8}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{9}">8</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/07/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 9}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{10}">9</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/07/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 10}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{11}">10</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/07/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 11}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{12}">11</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/07/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 12}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{13}">12</a></td> <td class="last"><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/07/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 13}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{14}">13</a></td> </tr> <tr class=" has-links "> <td class="first"><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/14/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 14}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{15}">14</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/14/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 15}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{16}">15</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/14/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 16}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{17}">16</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/14/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 17}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{18}">17</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/14/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 18}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{19}" class="today">18</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/14/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 19}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{20}">19</a></td> <td class="last"><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/14/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 20}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{21}">20</a></td> </tr> <tr class=" has-links "> <td class="first"><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/21/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 21}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{22}">21</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/21/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 22}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{23}">22</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/21/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 23}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{24}">23</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/21/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 24}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{25}">24</a></td> <td><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2009/dec/21/week" name="&lid={calendarNavigation}{Calendar 25}&lpos={calendarNavigation}{26}">25</a></td> <td>26</td> <td class="last">27</td> </tr> <tr class=" "> <td class="first">28</td> <td>29</td> <td>30</td> <td>31</td> <td class="not-this-month ">1</td> <td class="not-this-month ">2</td> <td class="not-this-month last">3</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> </div> <div id="review-tone-override" class="pickabletag"> </div> <div class="latest-reviews promo-component"> <div class="hd"> <h3>Latest reviews</h3> </div> <div class="bd"> <ul id="first-review"> <li class="heading "> <h4> <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20091226050949/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/dec/20/my-other-life-don-paterson" name="&lid={latestReviews}{My other life: Don Paterson reveals his fantasy career}&lpos={trail}{1}" class="link-text">My other life: Don Paterson</a> </h4> </li> <li class="trailtext"><p>The poet <strong>Don Paterson</strong> reveals his boyhood dream: to be a preacher</p></li> </ul> <ul> <li class="review"> <ul> <li class="heading"> 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