By Andy Johnson
So, finally, and festively it snows
Heavenly white squiggles fall from on high
And so our festive excitement grows
And snuggles into wrapping paper
To dream of baubles, sweets, treats
And powdered roads and streets where frost
Fills the air and decorates nature with expectant glitter
Yes, yes it snows, yet the traffic slows,
And although in midwinter we expect a cold snap
Why do stations and airports close?
Why does everything stop?
Why is everything so unfestively crap and steadfastly unready
This does not happen elsewhere
Could it be that those in charge out there
Don’t actually really, care
I think they don’t, they won’t, it’s age –old disrespect
But even though they don’t or won’t…..you can!
You can return their blank, council stare
With festive care, so whether it snows again or no
Take care when you go Christmas shopping
Take time to do some voluntary slowing down or stopping
So that when someone asks you for ‘any spare change?’
Even though they may not seem homeless or unwell
Or be seeking a cosy treat of yule-log heat
Or be speaking English that well
Even though you may think they might drink it
Or attempt Christmas diversion by mind excursion
Just give it them.