To Pay the Fodder Tax

 

To Pay the Fodder Tax

The hymns and carols, are being vehemently sung, throughout the lands,

Thousands of fir trees have been felled and mounted on sturdy stands.

The holly and the ivy, the mistletoe, and strips of tinsel, have been hung,

A star has been placed on top of each tree; the angels have been strung!

The nativity scenes, are sitting in pride of place, with the three wise men,

Hymns and carols have been enthusiastically sung, over, and over again.

The Snow Globes have been unpacked, and the strings of lights unfurled,

It’s time to revel, to sing, and rejoice, in countries, all around the world.

In Aotearoa, it is summertime, and the Pohutukawa, in full bloom again,

Downunder it is really hot, they’re swilling back beer, and champagne.

Harry and Megan won’t be home for Christmas, they’ve done their dash,

In Washington the hordes of homeless, are looking for a Christmas bash.

In Bethlehem, the pilgrims have flocked, to the birthplace, of Jesus Christ,

Five clicks from there, is Golgotha, where the son of God, was sacrificed,

At Christmas, in Palestine, the Christians, Muslims and Jews all meet,

In Manger Square, as burnt frankincense, wafts down the market streets.

Buckingham palace, will be the quietest it’s been, for many, many years,

As the people mourn, the passing of the Queen, with a few belated tears.

The scandals, have been swept under the carpet, the tabloids set to rest,

And the royal skeletons, hidden in the cupboards, at Charles firm request.

While those who can afford, have lavishly spent, emptying their pockets,

In Ukraine, all the children will get for Christmas, are Mr Putin’s rockets.

For them, there will be no presents, under a tree, and no sumptuous feast,

No Brightstar in the sky, just terrified eyes fixed, on flashes from the East!

In Russia, the trees are adorned with tin medals, from son’s given to war,

The lives, that Putin lightly traded, for Lada cars, while he asked for more.

At the frontline, the Red Army is desperately scrambling, to fill the gaps,

With many bereft Russian mums, having to pay, the Kremlin’s Fodder Tax!

Written By: Alan.Clark@WW1POET (Dec 2022)